Newt Gingrich Criticizes Matt Gaetz for ‘Unleashing Demons’ in House Turmoil

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich appeared on “The Ingraham Angle” with host Laura Ingraham to discuss the recent turmoil within the Republican Party, particularly focusing on the actions of Rep. Matt Gaetz and the challenges faced by Speaker Johnson.

Gingrich criticized Gaetz for his role in ousting former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, stating, “We shouldn’t underestimate how bad what Matt Gaetz did was for the whole system. He unleashed the demons… and drove Kevin McCarthy out of office.” He expressed sympathy for Speaker Johnson, who he believes is dealing with an impossible situation due to a narrow majority in the House.

The former speaker argued that the current state of the House is a strong argument for electing Donald Trump and a large Republican majority, recalling his own time as speaker when he had more leeway to govern due to a larger majority. He lamented that Johnson “doesn’t have a one-vote majority,” making it difficult to pass legislation with a faction of Republicans consistently voting against the party line.

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Ingraham raised the possibility of Hakeem Jeffries becoming speaker of the House, highlighting the consequences of Republicans leaving or being disruptive. She questioned, “What have they done to serve their constituents again, absent a health emergency or some major life crisis? But this is ridiculous.”

Gingrich agreed, emphasizing the historical disaster this situation presents for the country. He pointed out that even with a narrow majority, Republicans still control crucial committees, and if Jeffries becomes speaker, those efforts would end overnight. He expressed disappointment in both those leaving and those being destructive, stating, “Staying and having a temper tantrum is not particularly more helpful than going home.”

The discussion highlighted the deep divisions within the Republican Party and the challenges of governing with a slim majority. Both Gingrich and Ingraham expressed concerns about the future of the party and the country if these internal conflicts continue.