Unhinged Gaetz Draws Fire from McCarthy, Urges Professional Help

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has expressed concerns about the mental state of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) after the latter crashed his live CNN interview during the Republican National Convention. McCarthy accused Gaetz of being "unhinged" and urged him to seek professional assistance.

In the wake of Rep. Matt Gaetz's (R-FL) disruptive interruption of Kevin McCarthy's live CNN interview, the former House Speaker has launched a scathing attack on his rival, questioning Gaetz's mental stability and raising concerns about his alleged misconduct.

Unhinged Gaetz Draws Fire from McCarthy, Urges Professional Help

"You know, he looks very unhinged," McCarthy said about Gaetz on Thursday. "I mean, a lot of people have concerns about him, and I'm not sure if he's on something, but I do hope he gets the help that he needs."

McCarthy's comments echoed concerns raised by the House Ethics Committee, which is currently investigating allegations against Gaetz involving sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, improper gifts, and obstruction of government investigations. Gaetz has denied all accusations.

Unhinged Gaetz Draws Fire from McCarthy, Urges Professional Help

During the CNN interview, Gaetz mocked McCarthy for not speaking at the Republican National Convention. "What night are you speaking? Are you speaking tonight?" Gaetz asked sarcastically.

McCarthy dismissed Gaetz's taunts, accusing him of having an ethics complaint for "paying, sleeping with a 17-year-old." Gaetz retaliated by suggesting that McCarthy would be booed off the stage if he attempted to speak.

Unhinged Gaetz Draws Fire from McCarthy, Urges Professional Help

The animosity between McCarthy and Gaetz has been simmering for some time. McCarthy alleges that Gaetz asked him to quash the ethics probe against him and subsequently led a bipartisan effort to oust McCarthy from his position as House Speaker.

In an October motion, Gaetz accused McCarthy of poor leadership, cooperation with Democrats, and abandonment of conservative ideals. The House voted 216-210 in favor of the motion, marking the first time a sitting Speaker had been removed through such a vote.

Unhinged Gaetz Draws Fire from McCarthy, Urges Professional Help

McCarthy condemned the Republican coalition that joined Democrats in removing him, dubbing them "The Gaetz Eight." He warned that Gaetz's actions had fractured the Republican majority, creating a chaotic and divisive atmosphere.

Two months after his historic ouster, McCarthy announced his resignation from Congress by December 2023.

Gaetz has been the subject of a years-long House ethics investigation, prompted by reports of a relationship with an underage girl. The investigation is still ongoing, and Gaetz maintains his innocence.

The allegations have cast a shadow over Gaetz's political career and have led to calls for his resignation. However, Gaetz has remained defiant, dismissing the accusations as attempts to smear him politically.

The rivalry between Kevin McCarthy and Matt Gaetz has reached new heights following Gaetz's disruption of McCarthy's CNN interview. McCarthy's accusations of Gaetz's mental instability and concerns about his ethics probe highlight the deep divisions within the Republican Party. As the investigations continue, the fate of both men and their standing within the party remain uncertain.