During an appearance on Politics Sunday in June, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy made strong statements against Rep. Matt Gaetz, who had led the charge to oust McCarthy from the speakership. McCarthy criticized Gaetz, stating that he did not consider him a 'conservative' and suggested that Gaetz 'should be convicted.'
McCarthy went on to say, 'If there’s anybody who should go to trial, I mean, Gaetz is one who should be convicted in a trial.' He also added, 'You can’t sleep with underage women and think you can get away with it,' in reference to allegations against Gaetz, which the Florida congressman denies.
In a subsequent appearance on Inside Politics Sunday in September, McCarthy reiterated his criticism of Gaetz, particularly in light of new detailed allegations that had surfaced. Despite McCarthy backing Gaetz's opponent in the primary, Gaetz emerged victorious.
'When it comes to Matt Gaetz, I just hope the young women get the justice they deserve,' McCarthy stated, alluding to the seriousness of the allegations against Gaetz.
