During an online fundraiser, Matt Gaetz denounced the Biden impeachment effort as unserious

Days prior to Rep. Matt Gaetz’s attempt to remove Kevin McCarthy as House speaker, Gaetz and Rep. Matt Rosendale, both members of the Freedom Caucus, criticized the Republican Party’s high-stakes move to impeach President Joe Biden in a video obtained by NBC News.

During an invitation-only fundraiser conducted over Zoom, Gaetz and Rosendale expressed skepticism about the impeachment probe, calling it a political stunt. Gaetz stated that he did not believe the impeachment of Joe Biden was legitimate and likened it to a “forever war” of impeachment that would lead to a prolonged and inconclusive battle.

This fundraiser took place shortly before Gaetz and Rosendale moved to end McCarthy’s speakership, sparking a divisive leadership struggle within the Republican caucus. This group of Republicans, including Gaetz and Rosendale, still holds considerable influence as the House searches for a new speaker. It remains to be seen whether they will use this leverage to negotiate concessions from the future speaker regarding issues like impeachment. One of the leaders of the impeachment effort, Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, is also a candidate for speaker.

During the fundraiser, Rosendale joined Gaetz in criticizing the impeachment inquiry, comparing it to the federal indictment of President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, which they suggested was a “smokescreen” to divert attention from other alleged crimes.

While most Republicans support the impeachment effort, some have expressed reservations, despite Rep. James Comer’s claim that the probe uncovered evidence of Joe Biden using his office for family gain. Gaetz clarified that he meant no disrespect to Jordan or Comer but questioned the seriousness of the inquiry, suggesting that a subpoena should have been issued to Hunter Biden if it were genuine.

The remarks by Gaetz and Rosendale are expected to face scrutiny as the speakership battle intensifies, highlighting the divisions within conservative factions. In addition to Jordan, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise is also vying for the role of speaker, potentially leading to a prolonged conflict between conservative groups.

Gaetz has faced backlash from fellow Republicans for triggering the vote that allowed eight Republicans to join Democrats in ousting McCarthy, and some have called for his expulsion from the Republican Conference. Jordan, however, expressed opposition to such a move.

jomotoday News obtained the full video of the fundraiser event, which was hosted by Steve Bannon and Caroline Wren, a Republican fundraiser known for her role in organizing Trump’s rally near the White House on January 6, 2021.