Ok, Now What?

Plus: Why Your Phone Will Make a Noise at 2:20 p.m. ET Today

Ok, Now What?

In an prencedented move, the House voted yesterday to remove Kevin McCarthy as Speaker. The mutiny, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz and bolstered by Democrats, was triggered by McCarthy's stopgap funding bill and lack of trust. Seven Republicans joined Gaetz and all Democrats in voting against McCarthy. Bipartisanship, as the media says!

The Hill reported that House is in uncharted territory, with no clear path forward. Rep. Patrick McHenry was declared Speaker pro tempore. The McCarthy vote stemmed from what ousters said was dissatisfaction with his leadership and handling of fiscal issues. However, at a press conference McCarthy said, “Look, you all know Matt Gaetz. You know it was personal.”

Democrats were along for the ride and cheered the move. I am generally Team Chaos when it comes to DC politics, but I am not comforted when Democrats cheer.

CNN reported, “The House will now need to elect a new speaker. The House GOP will have a conference meeting Tuesday night, according to sources, although the election is not expected to happen on Tuesday.”

Former President Trump, who has allies on both sides, posted on Truth Social, “Why is it that Republicans are always fighting among themselves, why aren’t they fighting the Radical Left Democrats who are destroying our Country?”

I know — that’s rich during primary season.

Governor Ron DeSantis said, “You're in a situation where they haven't produced results, and that's just the reality,” also adding, “There's not a plan to go forward with whatever Matt Gaetz is doing.”

Ben Domenech noted at The Spectator (free with registration), “Wherever Republicans go from here, if it is possible to go anywhere from here, this moment proved the limits of Donald Trump’s hold on the Washington GOP. Trump backed McCarthy at every turn. He backed him for the speakership. He backed him on multiple policy fights. He backed him, even just today, decrying the infighting among House GOPers. But Gaetz didn’t seem to fear that at all.”

Last night it was reported that Rep. McCarthy will not run for Speaker again. To be honest, I’m starting to like Speaker pro tempore McHenry’s vibe: Nancy Pelosi evicted from her private office in the Capitol by interim House speaker.

In Today’s BRIGHT:
Poll: Republicans Have Advantage on the Economy
Why Your Phone Will Make a Noise at 2:20 p.m. ET Today
The Hillary Clinton of the GOP?
On Wednesdays We Wear Pink