Matt Gaetz generates the feels – good & bad – on social media after sparking McCarthy ouster

U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz has had a hand in making history. Angered over what he called selling out over debt ceiling talks, the Florida Republican filed a motion to vacate the speakership of the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday. That set up the 216-210 vote on Tuesday that ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy – an unprecedented move. Eight House Republicans joined all the chamber’s Democrats to remove McCarthy, a California Republican. 

Those in Florida politics and news media reacted Tuesday evening. Christian Ziegler, the Republican Party of Florida’s chairman, posted on social media that “some supported it and others opposed it, but no one can deny that FLORIDA - once again - is at the center of the political universe.” The Messenger’s Marc Caputo noted the “smack talk” between McCarthy and Gaetz Monday night – with the former posting “Bring it on” and the latter responding “Just did” – declaring a “F**k Around, Find Out award winner.”

Fellow GOP U.S. Rep. John Rutherford of Jacksonville lambasted Gaetz, however, saying in a statement that he was “driving our nation toward the brink of another government shutdown, all for clicks and cash and a boost in his national profile.” And Gov. Ron DeSantis called Gaetz’s maneuver “performative” and “theatrics” in a video released Tuesday.

Gaetz himself posted: “Washington must change. We must put the House of Representatives on a better course. @SpeakerMcCarthy has failed to take a stand where it matters. So if he won’t, I will … The fight is not over. Now we must elect a Speaker” – a job he said he doesn’t want.