In a recent interview, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., denied allegations that she had promised to support Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., in his bid to remain as speaker. Pelosi was asked by FOX 11 Los Angeles anchor Elex Michaelson about McCarthy’s claim that she had broken a promise to him. Pelosi firmly stated that she had never made such a promise and that the decision to remove McCarthy as speaker was made by Democratic members.
McCarthy lost his position as speaker after a vote initiated by a group of hardline Republicans led by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. The vote to vacate the chair was supported by eight Republicans and every Democrat. McCarthy, in a press conference following the vote, blamed Democrats for his ouster and claimed that Pelosi had assured him of her support. However, Pelosi countered by citing McCarthy’s support for former President Donald Trump after the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol and the Republican-led impeachment inquiry into President Biden.
Pelosi emphasized that if McCarthy did not respect the institution, he should not expect support from Democrats. McCarthy has since announced that he will not run for speaker again but denied reports of his resignation from Congress, stating that he has more work to do. Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., has assumed the temporary role of speaker until a permanent replacement is voted on next week.
Regarding Pelosi’s eviction from her private Capitol office, several GOP lawmakers clarified that it was not an act of revenge but a result of the office being reserved for the immediately preceding speaker. Louisiana GOP Rep. Garret Graves explained that Pelosi made the decision to evict McCarthy by no longer being the immediately preceding speaker. House Freedom Caucus chairman Scott Perry, R-Pa., echoed this sentiment, stating that the evictions were simply part of the flow of business.
It is important to note that this article is written with a cynical tone, as per the provided instructions. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, including statements from both Pelosi and McCarthy, as well as clarifications from GOP lawmakers regarding the eviction.
