Paul Ryan, former speaker of the United States House of Representatives, has floated the idea of removing Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz from his positions on the House GOP caucuses. This comes after he was accused of sex trafficking a minor, and involved in a number of scandals that continue to make waves in the media.
Ryan’s comments come after at least one of Gaetz’s fellow Republicans urged him to step down from his positions in the House GOP. The Republican reportedly said that having him serve on the committees would be a tarnish on the caucus, citing meaningful contributions from other members.
Ryan, likewise, noted that the allegations levied against Gaetz are “sickening” and that should they turn out to be accurate, it will cause a loss of public trust. “Incidents like this,” he said, “call for accountability and consequences that should extend to any other persons who acted with him or enabled him.”
Asked if removing Gaetz from the committees were something he’d consider, Ryan said that if the charges against Rep. Gaetz are correct, “the House should absolutely do so. While stressing that “people are innocent until proven guilty, Ryan furthered that if it is true, their reputation will be damaged beyond repair and they cannot stay on the committees.
Overall, Ryan appeared to be in agreement with many other Republicans who believe that Matt Gaetz should not be able to remain on the House GOP committees while facing such serious allegations. As the allegations against the Congressman continue to circulate, it remains to be seen if more members join the former speaker in demanding his removal.