'How dumb': Internet divided as Matt Gaetz brags about transforming Congress into living hell for 'swamp rat' Republicans

FORT WASHINGTON, MARYLAND: During a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Friday, February 23, Rep Matt Gaetz bragged about making Congress a "living hell" for "swamp rat" Republicans who act "like Democrats in drag."

“In Congress, I’m often excoriated, smeared, derided for exposing a corrupt system that has been weaponized against we the people,” the Florida congressman remarked.

“I have made it a living hell for the swamp rats, and many of them are retiring now,” he added. “You’re welcome.”

What did Rep Matt Gaetz say about ‘retiring’ Republicans at CPAC?

Rep Gaetz expressed satisfaction in a recent report that suggested his successful effort to remove Kevin McCarthy from his position as Speaker of the House in October 2020 has contributed to an increasing number of congressional Republicans who have decided to retire early instead of seeking re-election in 2024, per the New York Post.

“Truth is, we can’t save the nation with the current Republican team,” Gaetz continued. “We have to get tougher, smarter, and we need newer, bolder voices in the United States Congress.”

The Sunshine State Republican disclosed that “the next phase of our plan” will be to replace the 23 GOP lawmakers who have chosen not to seek another term, including five committee chairs, with “‘America First’ patriots,” or conservative hardliners who are aligned with former President Donald Trump.

Despite being under investigation by the House Ethics Committee, Gaetz has called for the panel to implement reforms that would prohibit lawmakers from becoming lobbyists after leaving office and trading stocks while still in office.

He also criticized the GOP ethics chairman, Rep Michael Guest (R-Miss), claiming that the congressman has "become a brilliant stock trader while in office."

The ethics panel is looking into Gaetz because of alleged sexual misconduct, and the firebrand Republican is reportedly considering a bid for Governor of Florida in 2026.

“I’d prefer to just fight the Democrats,” Gaetz said in his concluding remarks, adding. “But if the Republicans are going to dress up like Democrats in drag then I will lead the fight against them too.” 

Internet weighs in as Gaetz rallies GOP voters by claiming to drive ‘swamp rat’ Republicans out of DC

People on X expressed mixed reactions to this scathing attack on outgoing GOP lawmakers by Florida Republican Matt Gaetz.

One X user remarked: “Wow....how dumb."

Another user said: "He's one of the few fighting for the people he represents."

Another user wrote: "Says the guy who colluded with democrats to remove the speaker."

One user claimed: "He's right. RINOs have to go."

Another X user quipped: "He’s a clown."

Finally, this user tweeted: "Good. Nearly all of them are fake conservatives anyway."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.