Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz gave newly minted House Speaker Mike Johnson a new nickname: "MAGA Mike Johnson."
Gaetz made this declaration during a podcast appearance with Steve Bannon, a former adviser to former President Donald Trump. He emphasized the significance of transitioning from former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to Johnson, highlighting the growing influence of the MAGA movement within the Republican Party.
He said:
“MAGA is ascendant."
“If you don’t think that moving from Kevin McCarthy to MAGA Mike Johnson shows the ascendance of this movement and where the power in the Republican Party truly lies, then you’re not paying attention."
You can hear Gaetz's remarks in the video below.
And at least one Congressional Democrat is already embracing the moniker, as Rep. Don Beyer did on X.
Other Democrats on X have swiftly adopted the name as well.
And many online are licking their chops, anticipating the Democratic ads to come.
This shift in leadership occurred after three weeks of turmoil triggered by Gaetz, which ultimately led to McCarthy's removal from his position. Gaetz's dissatisfaction stemmed from McCarthy's willingness to collaborate with Democrats to avert a government shutdown and his reluctance to comply with certain demands from a faction of far-right lawmakers.
After several rounds of nominations, Republicans ultimately reached a consensus and elected Johnson as the new House Speaker. Johnson is known for his staunchly conservative views, particularly on women's rights and LGBTQ+ issues.
Johnson also played a prominent role in advocating for the rejection of the 2020 election results in support of Trump. In fact, a New York Times article from last year described Johnson as the primary architect behind the objections raised in the Electoral College proceedings on January 6, 2021.
Johnson received votes from all 220 Republicans present to become Speaker. In remarks on the House floor, he thanked Republicans, saying the House is "back in business."
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