Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz has alleged that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is still leading the Democrats from the shadows, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) serving as “just a frontman.”
During an appearance on Newsmax, Gaetz said Pelosi “still rules with an iron fist.”
Gaetz made the comment while explaining the battle among Republicans for the speakership vote.
The congressman told Newsmax’s “Sunday Agenda” that Republicans have had more public infighting than the Democrats.
His recent motion to vacate led to the historic ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
Gaetz said it is Pelosi’s control of House Democrats which allows them to stay in lockstep.
“By the way, she’s still the one in charge of that conference,” Gaetz continued
“I mean, Hakeem Jeffries is the frontman, but the person who’s really calling the shots among the Democrats is Nancy Pelosi.”
WATCH:
After Jim Jordan was elected Speaker-Designate on Friday, Speaker Pro Tem @PatrickMcHenry made us take Saturday off, Sunday off, and now MONDAY OFF!
The Swamp is trying to delay a vote on the House floor as long as possible, hoping conservatives will move backward to Kevin… pic.twitter.com/Z9SjqiNRz0
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) October 15, 2023
Pelosi served multiple stints as House speaker beginning in 2007.
She stepped down as speaker after the Democrats lost their House majority in 2022.
At this point, McCarthy began his ill-fated tenure.
After Pelosi stepped down, Jeffries took the lead of House Democrats as minority leader in the next session of Congress.
In the same interview, Gaetz speculated that establishment Republicans may be trying to reinstall McCarthy in the speakership.
He alleged that the vote on Republican Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) was delayed to Tuesday in order for moderate Republicans to reinsert McCarthy.
Gaetz supports Jordan in his bid for the House speakership.
“We should not go backward with Kevin McCarthy,” Gaetz said.
“We should go forward with Jim Jordan.”
As Slay News reported earlier, McCarthy has also stated that he is confident Jordan will become the next speaker.
READ MORE: Pelosi Evicted from Her Private Office in Capitol by Interim House Speaker
