Kevin McCarthy Booted as US House Speaker in Historic First
In a stunning political shake-up, Kevin McCarthy has been voted out as Speaker of the US House of Representatives. The vote, held in a quiet chamber, ended 216-210 against him. This marks the first-ever time a sitting House Speaker has been removed from office.
Unprecedented Vote Throws GOP into Chaos
The presiding officer declared the Speaker’s position officially vacant — only the third time in history a Speaker faced such a vote, and the very first they actually lost. The GOP now faces a leadership vacuum with no clear successor to McCarthy.
The dramatic ousting was driven by tensions between McCarthy and the far-right faction of the Republican Party. Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz led the charge, firing up supporters on social media: “Speaker McCarthy has failed to take a stand where it matters. So if he won’t, I will.”
Republican Rebels and Dems Join Forces
- Eight Republicans broke ranks to vote against McCarthy.
- Democrats withheld support, frustrated by McCarthy’s closeness to the hard right.
This revolt highlights deep GOP divisions that have simmered since McCarthy took over as Speaker in January.
White House Demands Quick Solution
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre urged a speedy replacement. She said President Joe Biden “hopes the House will swiftly select a new speaker” to tackle pressing national issues.
Without a Speaker, the House faces gridlock on critical bills, including essential spending measures. McCarthy confirmed he won’t run again for Speaker, leaving the GOP scrambling to find steady leadership amid this historic upheaval.
