New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shot back at former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy’s suggestion that his ousting was a political move by Democrats.
McCarthy’s statement follows reports that former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi reportedly said she would “have his back” if a motion to vacate his seat was filed.
“I think today was a political decision by the Democrats,” McCarthy said of his ousting while also criticizing eight House Republicans for voting with Democrats in favor of removing him as Speaker.
“Does anyone believe for one minute that McCarthy would help elect a Dem speaker ‘for the institution?'” Ocasio-Cortez wrote in an X post. “McCarthy’s hubris is a theme.”
“He loudly stated he wouldn’t negotiate w/Dems, called virtually none, trashed those who helped w/CR, and then expected Dem votes for free?” she said.
1. Does anyone believe for one minute that McCarthy would help elect a Dem speaker “for the institution”?
2. McCarthy’s hubris is a theme. He loudly stated he wouldn’t negotiate w/Dems, called virtually none, trashed those who helped w/CR, and then expected Dem votes for free? https://t.co/49V0pNTf3N
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) October 4, 2023
The New York representative went on to criticize the former Speaker’s move to open an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden’s alleged corruption and business dealings with son Hunter.
“If McCarthy cared so much for the institution, he wouldn’t have opened a baseless impeachment w/o a House vote (as he promised and broke),” she continued. “If he cared for the institution, he wouldn’t have voted to overturn the election results.”
“He would have honored his debt limit deal [with] the President,” she added.
Ocasio-Cortez said McCarthy should have taken note from previous Republican Speakers.
“One would think after years of striving, McCarthy would have studied lessons left by predecessors Boehner and Ryan, who also fell at their destructive wing,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote. “It was all McCarthy’s choice to empower them further.”
She added: “He protected them and punished those who bucked Trump. He’s not a victim.”
One would think after years of striving, McCarthy would have studied lessons left by predecessors Boehner and Ryan, who also fell at their destructive wing.
It was McCarthy’s choice to empower them further. He protected them & punished those who bucked Trump. He’s not a victim.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) October 4, 2023
Shortly after the House voted to vacate the office of Speaker of the House, McCarthy announced he would not run for Speaker again.
“Unfortunately, 4% of our conference can join all the Democrats and dictate who can be the Republican Speaker in this House,” McCarthy said after his removal. “I believe I can continue to fight, maybe in a different manner.”
“I will not run for Speaker again. I’ll have the conference pick somebody else,” he added.
McCarthy is the first Speaker in U.S. history to be vacated from the seat.
Several House Republicans have launched bids for Speakership including Ohio Representative Jim Jordan and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Texas Representative Troy Nehls nominated former President Donald Trump for Speakership. Trump said he would do what he could to help the country and the Republican party, though noted his first priority was winning the 2024 presidential election.
