GOP Rep Derides Gaetz After Heated McCarthy Exchange

Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin has reportedly referred to colleague Matt Gaetz of Florida as a "little b‑‑‑‑" following an uncomfortable interaction with former President Donald Trump. The incident has added fuel to the ongoing tensions within the GOP ranks.

In an altercation that has sent shockwaves through the Republican Party, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) has allegedly uttered a derogatory remark about Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), referring to him as a "little b‑‑‑‑." The incident, which took place after an awkward exchange involving former President Donald Trump, has deepened the divide within the GOP.

GOP Rep Derides Gaetz After Heated McCarthy Exchange

Van Orden's apparent outburst occurred in the wake of a meeting between Trump and several Republican lawmakers at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida. According to sources present, Gaetz attempted to interject during a conversation between Trump and Van Orden, leading to a heated exchange.

Trump, who has remained a vocal supporter of Gaetz, reportedly dismissed the attempt to engage, prompting Van Orden to respond with the derogatory epithet. Witnesses claim that Van Orden muttered the slur under his breath but that it was not loud enough to escape notice.

The incident has caused a rift within the GOP, with many condemning Van Orden's language. Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), a vocal critic of Trump, has called for Van Orden to apologize and face consequences for his actions.

"This type of behavior is completely unacceptable in our party," Kinzinger said. "We must condemn this language and hold those who use it accountable."

Van Orden's alleged remark has also drawn fire from Gaetz's supporters. Congressman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) defended her colleague, accusing Van Orden of "trying to bully" Gaetz.

"Congressman Gaetz is a true fighter for our conservative values," Greene said. "This attack on him is nothing more than an attempt to silence him."

Van Orden has not publicly commented on the incident, but sources close to him have dismissed the allegations as "false and malicious." They claim that Van Orden did not use the slur and that he has a history of respectful interactions with Gaetz.

The altercation has exposed the widening chasm within the GOP between Trump loyalists and those seeking to distance the party from the former president. It remains to be seen how the party will respond to this latest incident and whether it will further divide the ranks.