Trump may — or may not — save McCarthy from far-right foes: report

The United States avoided a federal government shutdown when, at the last minute, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California) worked out a bipartisan funding agreement with House Democrats — much to the chagrin of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) and other far-right members of his caucus.

Now, the ultra-MAGA Gaetz is out for blood, vowing that McCarthy will be ousted as speaker. What remains to be seen will be how former President Donald Trump will respond.

In an article published on October 1, the Daily Beast's Zachary Petrizzo poses the question: Will Trump intervene on McCarthy's behalf?

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"While never quite predictable," Petrizzo reports, "Trump likely has the power to save McCarthy, should the California Republican — as expected — face a 'motion to vacate' vote…. But McCarthy's detractors don't seem to think Trump will speak up for McCarthy.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tennessee) told the Beast, "I don't see him messing with leadership right now."

A Trump associate, presumably interviewed on condition of anonymity, told the Beast, "This is not going to be the issue that Trump comes out to destroy McCarthy with. He still needs him."

Trump himself was vague about McCarthy's future as House speaker when, during a visit to Iowa on October 1, he told a reporter, "I don't want to comment on it yet. I think it's too early…. (McCarthy) said very great things about me today."

READ MORE: A shutdown is averted, but the Republican clown show continues

Read the Daily Beast's full report at this link (subscription required).