Gaetz's Crusade Against McCarthy Fueled by Resentment Over Ethics Probe, Not Conservative Principles
-
Gaetz privately told a friend his effort to remove McCarthy was payback for the ethics investigation against him, blaming McCarthy for reviving the probe.
-
Gaetz believed McCarthy personally controlled the Ethics Committee investigation into allegations Gaetz had sex with a minor and engaged in other illegal acts.
-
Gaetz convinced allies his public crusade against McCarthy was over conservative principles, while privately nurturing personal resentment over the investigation.
-
Gaetz remained a thorn in McCarthy's side, blocking legislation and ultimately filing a motion to vacate the Speaker role over a government funding deal.
-
McCarthy publicly stated he believed Gaetz was targeting him solely because of the ethics investigation, which Gaetz feared would damage his reputation.