On April 16, 2021, U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) filed a motion to oust House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Gaetz’s motion cites a “lack of principled leadership” from McCarthy as a reason for the ousting. Gaetz’s motion came in the wake of McCarthy’s decision to censure fellow House Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene over her controversial statements. Gaetz also expressed frustration at the House Republican Conference’s focus on electability instead of values. He argued that McCarthy had failed to stand up for “conservative principles” during the previous Congress. Gaetz thinks that a change in leadership is necessary in order for the House GOP to be an effective counter-balance to the Democrats, who control the House, Senate, and White House.
