Former House speaker Newt Gingrich recently floated the idea of ousting Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) from the House Republican caucus and committees following allegations of sex trafficking.
Gingrich, who served as House speaker from 1995 to 1999, tweeted Wednesday that “if the Gaetz allegations are true, the House Republicans should immediately expel him from their caucus and leadership and take away his committees.” Gaetz currently holds subcommittee chair positions on the House Armed Services and Judiciary committees, as well as a spot on the House Rules Committee.
The Department of Justice is currently investigating Gaetz over allegations of sex trafficking of a minor, although he has denied the allegations as “false and defamatory.”
It remains to be seen whether House Republicans will follow through on Gingrich’s recommendation. If they do, it would be a rare move, as House Republicans have traditionally sought to keep their party unified.