Matt Gaetz Fires Parting Shots at Kevin McCarthy

Matt Gaetz has responded to Kevin McCarthy's resignation announcement in a series of tweets.

McCarthy, the former speaker of the House of Representatives who was ousted from the role in October, said he was resigning from Congress at the end of this year.

"I have decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways," he said, in a column for the Wall Street Journal. "I know my work is only getting started."

California Republican McCarthy became speaker in January, but with a limited majority had to rely on Democratic support to keep the federal government funded and open in October.

In doing so, he sparked criticism from Republicans and ultimately became the first speaker to be ousted by his own party, causing a power vacuum which was filled by Louisiana Republican and Donald Trump ally Mike Johnson, who became speaker after three other candidates failed to attract enough support.

Gaetz, a Florida Republican, had been a frequent critic of McCarthy and was one of the key figures who had pushed for his ousting, filing the successful motion to do so in early October. Eight Republicans, including Gaetz, joined Democrats in voting to remove McCarthy.

Responding to his rival's resignation, Gaetz wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "McLeavin'."

He also posted a link to his short documentary, Gaveled Out, which details the events leading up to McCarthy's removal the from the position of speaker, writing: "Today is a great day to watch #GaveledOut!"

In a third tweet, he shared a link to his podcast, Firebrand with Matt Gaetz.

In the podcast, he criticized McCarthy for leaving and said his doing so would create a "very real math problem" as it will reduce the Republican's majority in the House.

There are 221 Republicans in the House to the Democrat's 213.

Gaetz said that with George Santos being expelled from Congress following an ethics report that detailed his misuse of campaign funds, and Ohio Republican Bill Johnson announcing he will not seek reelection in 2024 after accepting an offer to become Youngstown State University's new president, the Republican's majority could be put at further threat.

"His unwillingness to stay and vote for even the most basic of Republican priorities may imperil our ability to get the job done," Gaetz said.

He also accused him of quitting out of "abject selfishness" because he was no longer in charge.

Newsweek contacted representatives for Gaetz and McCarthy by email to comment on this story.

When McCarthy resigns there will be a special election within 140 days, as per California law.