Last Updated on December 2, 2022
U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) torched longtime House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) for attending a state dinner hosted by the Biden White House. In attendance was the president’s son Hunter, who House Republicans have vowed to investigate as a result of his suspect business dealing with foreign governments, including China and Ukraine. McCarthy brushed off a question about attending the dinner with Hunter Biden, saying that he was there to “have a great time.”
Over 350 celebrities, leaders from both sides of the political aisle and French President Emmanuel Macron were in attendance for the first official state dinner hosted by the Biden White House. “The swanky black-tie event was to include a lavish dining selection of desserts and seafood on the menu, including butter-poached Maine lobster, beef with shallot marmalade, numerous types of American cheeses, orange chiffon cake, roasted, creme fraiche ice cream, and caviar,” reported Fox News.
Despite the fact that the president’s son is under federal investigation for tax violations, Hunter Biden was still in attendance at the dinner. Prosecutors are considering charges against him for tax crimes, foreign lobbying violations, making false statements and more.
While Kevin McCarthy has vowed to investigate the business dealings of the president’s son in full if elected speaker, he still showed up at the event with his mother. According to the Daily Mail, McCarthy brushed off questions about any awkwardness of Hunter Biden being in attendance. “I’m at a dinner with my mom so I’m going to have a great time,” he told the publication.
Matt Gaetz — who has stated that he will not vote for McCarthy for speaker — took to Twitter to blast the California Republican for dining with Hunter Biden, as well as Macron, saying that it does not bode well for his commitment to investigations and reigning in large spending on Ukraine.
“Tonight Kevin McCarthy had dinner with Hunter Biden at a state dinner with Macron to rally support for more US aid to Ukraine,” Gaetz said. “He should not be Speaker.”
Tonight Kevin McCarthy had dinner with Hunter Biden at a state dinner with Macron to rally support for more US aid to Ukraine.
He should not be Speaker.
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) December 2, 2022
Gaetz counts himself among a growing number of Republicans who have stated that they are “hard no’s” on McCarthy’s bid for speaker. U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) told reporters that he will not be supporting McCarthy after he initially leaving the door open for negotiation, stating that he disagrees with GOP leadership’s plans for curbing the national debt.
Norman joined Gaetz, U.S. Rep. Bob Good (R-VA) and U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) in formally opposing McCarthy, though Biggs, who has announced his own candidacy for speaker, has stated that there are upwards of 20 “no” votes.