House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy reportedly said he “lost confidence” in House Republican Chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., in a hot mic moment reviewed by Axios.
McCarthy appeared on “Fox & Friends” with host Steve Doocy Tuesday morning and said House Republicans have grown frustrated with Cheney who has been the subject of calls to step down from her leadership position for continually aligning herself against her GOP colleagues.
“There’s no concern about how she voted on impeachment. That decision has been made. I have heard from members concerned about her ability to carry out the job as conference chair — to carry out the message,” McCarthy said. “We all need to be working as one if we’re able to win the majority. Remember, majorities are not given; they are earned.”
However, as Axios reported, McCarthy went further in his comments off air to Doocy.
“I think she’s got real problems,” McCarthy allegedly said prior to his interview. “I’ve had it with her. You know, I’ve lost confidence. … Well, someone just has to bring a motion, but I assume that will probably take place.”
In response to McCarthy appearing on Fox News, a spokesman for Cheney told the Washington Examiner, “This is about whether the Republican Party is going to perpetuate lies about the 2020 election and attempt to whitewash what happened on Jan. 6. Liz will not do that.”
“That is the issue,” the spokesman added.
The office of McCarthy did not respond to a request for comment.
Axios reporters were allegedly told last week that Cheney could be removed from being House Republican Chair this month. The Hill reported Monday that “GOP allies” of McCarthy are eying replacements for the Wyoming congresswoman. Some names floated by congressional aides included Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Ann Wagner, R-Mo., and Jackie Walorski, R-Ind.
