Representative Matt Gaetz engaged in a series of confrontations on the House floor, including a tense discussion with Johnson, who did not dismiss the possibility of amending the motion to vacate the chair, a tool Gaetz views as crucial for accountability. Gaetz also clashed with Representative Derrick Van Orden, who challenged the right-wing faction to proceed with a vote to oust Johnson. The exchanges escalated, with Van Orden labeling Gaetz 'tubby' after being called a 'squish' by Gaetz. Despite the heated interactions, Speaker Johnson appears resigned to the existing structure of the motion to vacate, acknowledging the lack of support among Republicans to amend it.
Speaker Johnson all but conceding he’ll remain trapped under the structure of a one-person motion to vacate, since not enough Rs want to amend it. Gaetz earlier called it an accountability tool and resisted any changes https://t.co/L0VTPA4qud
Just spoke to Derrick Van Orden. He tells me he was calling Matt Gaetz “tubby” — not Speaker Johnson — after Gaetz called DVO a “squish” Says he saw group around Johnson & joined the group to support Johnson. Called Gaetz a bully & said only way to stop bully is to “push back” https://t.co/mWjdHxZWdP
News -- Matt Gaetz tells us he engaged in a 'tense' conversation with Johnson, who didn't rule out changing motion to vacate now in upcoming rule (Also got into it with Rep. Van Orden who was daring them to move ahead with vacate vote - which Gaetz doesn't support w Johnson) https://t.co/VyBdpSlN9y
Things got heated on the House floor. DVO called Gaetz “tubby” in fiery scrum GOP Rep. Derrick Van Orden entered the 20 minute heated floor conversation as it was ongoing and dared his right-wing colleagues to move on the motion to oust Johnson W/ @AnnieGrayerCNN
Gaetz says changes to a motion to vacate would likely spark a motion to vacate. “I didn't support one when I woke up this morning,” he said. https://t.co/uEAB5e3ym1