Gaetz praises Johnson, says election reflects ‘ascendance’ of MAGA movement

Rep. Matt Gaetz lauded newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson and said his election shows how the MAGA movement is on the rise.

“The swamp is on the run, MAGA is ascendant and if you don’t think that moving from Kevin McCarthy to MAGA Mike Johnson shows the ascendance of this movement, and where the power of the Republican Party truly lies, then you’re not paying attention,” Mr. Gaetz said on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast Wednesday.

The Florida Republican noted he worked with Mr. Johnson for seven years on the House Judiciary Committee.

“He is sharp. He will be as respected in the homes of our most meaningful, righteous and patriotic donors as he will be at the rallies with our most enthusiastic and meaningful activists,” Mr. Gaetz said.

Mr. Johnson, Louisiana Republican, was the fourth nominee for speaker and was voted in unanimously by Republicans on Wednesday. He won the gavel in only one round of voting.

It had been three weeks since former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, California Republican, was ousted from the position after a motion to vacate brought by Mr. Gaetz, who cited a lack of trust as the reason he had to be removed.

“They are crying, they are hand-wringing, they are bed-wetting over on K street because we have an honorable righteous man who is about to take this position,” Mr. Gaetz said. “He’s going to do great things for our country.”

After being sworn in, Mr. Johnson said the House will have an “aggressive schedule” in the coming days and weeks.

“We’re in the majority right now. We’ve gone through a little bit of suffering. We’ve gone through a little bit of character building. And you know what it’s produced? More strength, more perseverance and a lot of hope. And that’s what we’re about to deliver to the American people,” he said.