Kevin McCarthy Claims Ouster as House Speaker Tied to Gaetz Ethics Complaint

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy alleges his removal was driven by his refusal to interfere in an ethics probe against Rep. Matt Gaetz concerning allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor.

McCarthy claims he was ousted due to pressure from Gaetz to halt an ethics investigation into allegations Gaetz had sexual relations with a 17-year-old.
Gaetz, who has been a controversial figure, led the charge against McCarthy, culminating in a historic motion to vacate that removed McCarthy from his speakership.
The ethics complaint against Gaetz, which originated before McCarthy's tenure as speaker, is still ongoing, with the House Ethics Committee actively investigating.
Justice Department previously investigated the allegations against Gaetz but decided not to charge him in February 2022.
McCarthy, speaking at Georgetown University, expressed no regrets about his actions, stating he would make the same decisions again, emphasizing his commitment to government stability during his tenure.