NBC host Kristen Welker challenged Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) after he orchestrated the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) just days before a deadly terrorist attack in Israel.
While speaking to Gaetz on Meet the Press, Welker wondered if the lawmaker took any responsibility for grinding the House of Representatives to a halt during a crisis.
"We stand with the people of Israel," Gaetz opined. "Israel has a right to defend itself."
"Congressman, you say that you stand with Israel, you're ready to defend Israel, and yet you're completely incapable of helping Israel because you've brought Congress to a standstill, a state of paralysis, have you not?" Welker pressed.
"Let me, let me get a word in here, Kristen," Gaetz interrupted.
The congressman shifted the blame to Republicans who called a recess after McCarthy was ousted.
"And if, if [Patrick McHenry] had not made that decision, we would have a speaker right now," Gaetz said.
"Well, that takes me to my next question, Congressman, because you led this effort to oust Speaker McCarthy without a clear replacement in place," Welker noted. "Was that irresponsible on your part?"
"Well, not only do we have a clear replacement, we have two, we have two men who are incredibly respected," Gaetz replied. "So the fact that it's been a constrained race, you are watching the plan play out."
