Matt Gaetz's Bold Move: The Battle for the Speakership Begins

Rep. Matt Gaetz is set to make a move this week to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his position, following McCarthy's collaboration with Democrats to prevent a government shutdown last Saturday. In an interview on CNN's "State of the Union" with Jake Tapper, the Republican representative from Florida revealed his plan to file a motion to vacate this week. This motion would trigger a vote to determine if McCarthy will retain his role.

Speaker McCarthy, according to Gaetz, violated the agreement he made with House conservatives in January. Gaetz claimed that McCarthy's repeated and blatant disregard for the agreement, which aimed to exceed spending limits, is unacceptable. Gaetz further stated his intention to file a motion to remove McCarthy from the speakership this week, as he believes that new leadership, characterized by trustworthiness, is necessary.

Gaetz's promise represents a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff between McCarthy and the conservative faction of his conference. McCarthy had to navigate a challenging path to secure the speakership earlier this year, facing 15 rounds of votes in January. As part of his agreement to become Speaker of the House, McCarthy allowed only one member to bring a motion to vacate. This agreement has caused McCarthy to walk a delicate tightrope, trying to satisfy the right-wing of his caucus while also fulfilling his governing responsibilities.

However, McCarthy's moment of truth may have arrived with President Biden signing the bill to keep the government open until mid-November. Just minutes before midnight, when funding was set to expire, McCarthy unexpectedly changed course and cooperated with Democrats to pass a continuing resolution that would prevent a shutdown. Later on Saturday, the Senate also passed the bill with bipartisan support.

McCarthy's move could potentially lead to him losing his job, which Gaetz has been consistently warning. According to CNN's report on Friday, Gaetz has been engaging with Democrats to discuss potential replacements for McCarthy if he decides to motion for removal, thereby necessitating a vote in the House to decide whether to remove him from the position.

Remaining resolute, McCarthy issued a challenge on Saturday to his critics, daring them to attempt to remove him from his job.

"Should anyone wish to present a motion against me, I encourage them to do so," stated McCarthy during a press conference with CNN's Manu Raju. "We need responsible individuals involved in these discussions. My priority is to make decisions that benefit our nation." The Republican representative from Florida condemned McCarthy for his dishonesty during the negotiations surrounding the ongoing resolution.

Nobody trusts Kevin McCarthy because he has lied to Biden, House conservatives, and even had appropriators marking to a different number. The reason behind the shutdown politics is not a flaw in the system, but rather an intentional aspect, according to him.

According to a senior Democratic source, most members of their caucus are doubtful about saving McCarthy. This skepticism stems from his lack of interest in cooperating with Democrats and initiating an impeachment inquiry into Biden.

According to multiple sources, there have been no substantial negotiations between McCarthy and Democratic leaders regarding this issue. However, certain moderate Democrats may attempt to assist McCarthy in staying in power if they receive something in return.

Another source from the Democratic caucus stated that they will allow House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries the space to handle this situation, and the caucus will address it during their discussion this week.

Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed her intention to vote in favor of removing Kevin McCarthy from his position as House Speaker during a separate interview on "State of the Union" on Sunday. Ocasio-Cortez criticized McCarthy, describing him as a weak speaker who has failed to maintain control over his caucus. She also highlighted his handling of government funding, stating that he has brought the country and millions of Americans to the verge of crisis by waiting until the last moment to keep the government open and only issuing a 45-day extension.

Gaetz has been diligently gauging the sentiments of House Democrats and their intention to remove McCarthy from the position of speakership.

Gaetz suggested that the Democrats should willingly vote against McCarthy in order to assist with his removal. He further emphasized that if the Democrats support McCarthy and allow him to remain as the speaker, he would no longer consider McCarthy as his own speaker. The House will be adjourned until Monday, which would be the earliest opportunity for the vote to take place. Following the House's return, leadership will have a two-day window to organize the voting process.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Clare Foran, Melanie Zanona, Manu Raju and Morgan Rimmer contributed to this report.