In the midst of escalating GOP infighting in the House, Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration, calling some of his fellow lawmakers “scumbags” on Sunday.
During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Gonzales was questioned about his thoughts on whether House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., will manage to retain his leadership position amidst the ongoing attempt to oust him. Last year, the House was in a state of paralysis for several weeks following a few Republican rebels siding with Democrats to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. Now, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has voiced her intention to replicate this effort against Johnson.
Gonzales didn’t hold back when it came to his thoughts on his colleagues, particularly Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla.
Gonzales expressed his deep sense of honor in serving in Congress, but he did not hold back in his criticism of some of his colleagues. He boldly stated that there are individuals in Congress who are nothing short of scumbags. Gonzales went on to make a serious allegation against Matt Gaetz, accusing him of sexually assaulting minors at drug parties.
In 2023, the charges against Gaetz were dropped by the department after prosecutors found credibility issues with two key witnesses. However, he is still being investigated by the House Ethics Committee.
In response to Gonzales’ comments on Sunday, Gaetz took to his post on X and strongly refuted the accusations, labeling Gonzales as a liar. Gaetz also urged voters to stand by him and support his GOP opponent. Throughout the controversy, Gaetz has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., has come under fire from Texas lawmaker for his support of his Republican opponent, Brandon Herrera, a gun rights activist. The lawmaker, Gonzales, has accused Herrera of being a “known neo-Nazi” and has even made reference to the Ku Klux Klan.
It is unclear what Gonzales was referring to. According to Jewish insider, Herrera has shared videos online that include Nazi imagery. Jewish Insider reached out to Herrera’s campaign for comment, but did not receive a response.
In a post on X, Herrera dismissed Gonzales’ remarks on Sunday, expressing his belief that Gonzales was resorting to complaining to his liberal friends as Republicans are no longer receptive to his arguments.
The Republican Party of Texas censured Gonzales last year for his stance on various issues, which included his support for certain gun safety laws in the aftermath of the Uvalde school shooting.
Gonzales mentioned on Sunday that members of Congress who occupy a more centrist position are feeling fatigued and weary.
“These fringe individuals seem to believe that they hold some sort of superiority. However, I can assure you that they do not,” he confidently stated, emphasizing, “Dealing with a bully requires standing up to them and showing them that their actions will not be tolerated.”
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