North Carolina Republican Representative Patrick McHenry, who is serving as interim House Speaker following the ousting of former GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, made a smashing debut in a way nobody saw coming.
In a clip that went viral, McHenry slammed down the gavel with tremendous force when he declared the House in recess.
Did he break anything? No. Was it excessive? The internet sure thought so.
The top ally of McCarthy became the Speaker pro tempore after eight Republicans led by GOP Representative Matt Gaetz joined Democrats in showing McCarthy the door in a historic vote on Tuesday.
McHenry's ragey pounding of the lectern left social media users quivering.
The moment was prime for roasting.
Make sure the clip below is unmuted for maximum enjoyment.
The speakership is currently vacant after McCarthy became the only Speaker in U.S. history to be removed on a motion to vacate.
As Speaker pro tempore, McHenry will manage the House's day-to-day activities, which include recessing the House, adjourning the chamber, and recognizing speakers who request to speak during floor sessions.
McHenry will be presiding over the vote and selection for the chamber's next Speaker.
McCarthy announced he will not run for Speaker again, which led others including Reps. Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan to put their hats in the ring. Even Donald Trump has been floated as potential Speaker, which he has not ruled out.
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