Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich expressed concern over the internal strife within the Republican Party, particularly regarding the ousting of House Speakers. Gingrich attributed this trend to Rep. Matt Gaetz’s motion to remove former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which he described as unleashing chaos within the party. He emphasized that McCarthy’s forced resignation had a detrimental impact on the House, characterizing the aftermath as a “disaster.”
In October, Gaetz accused McCarthy of making secret deals with Democrats and betraying Republican interests. Since then, the House has been mired in chaos, culminating in the election of Speaker Mike Johnson after a tumultuous series of events. Gingrich acknowledged the challenging circumstances facing Speaker Johnson, highlighting the difficulty of his position amid internal discord.
Gingrich criticized factions within the Republican Party, particularly the Freedom Caucus, for exacerbating tensions and impeding effective governance. He argued that the absence of McCarthy had led to a decline in Republican influence and an increase in Democratic control. Gingrich cautioned against prioritizing grandstanding and ideological purity over practical policymaking, suggesting that such approaches only served to undermine Republican interests.
The recent motion filed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to remove Speaker Johnson from his position further illustrates the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party. Greene’s move, prompted by Johnson’s cooperation with Democrats on a spending bill, reflects the continued internal turmoil and ideological clashes within the party ranks. As Republicans grapple with internal conflicts, Gingrich’s remarks underscore the importance of unity and strategic decision-making to effectively advance conservative priorities in Congress.