Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said that Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) could face the "same problem" as disgraced Rep. George Santos (R-NY) when his ethics complaint is released.

McCarthy shared the comments during a Sunday interview on Fox News.

McCarthy says Gaetz could have 'same problem' as Santos when ethics complaint comes out https://t.co/UkqKPBYFRl

— Not now, Todd (@not_now_todd) November 19, 2023

The remarks

“We do know this is really driven, as you know, and you’ve had in the show, Matt Gaetz’s ethics complaint," McCarthy stated.

"I think once that ethics complaint comes forward, he could have the same problem as Santos has. I think the conference will be better united to get this all done," he added.

McCarthy predicts Gaetz will meet similar fate as Santos, denies attacking Burchett https://t.co/8uE3sbprWV pic.twitter.com/no1f3XGZCh

— New York Post (@nypost) November 19, 2023

The report

"Gaetz has been under a review by the House Committee on Ethics that is thought to center around accusations including sexual misconduct and illicit drug use," the New York Post reported.

"The committee last week dropped a stunning report on Santos — who is staring down a 23-count indictment — that alleged he 'blatantly stole' from his campaign for personal use," it continued.

Gaetz could face same expulsion threat as Santos once House Ethics drops report: McCarthy https://t.co/vKO6Z69fgl

— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) November 20, 2023

The Gaetz-McCarthy feud

"Gaetz and McCarthy have long had a fraught relationship, though their feud sparked national headlines as the former blocked McCarthy’s speakership bid in January," the Washington Examiner reported.

"McCarthy has argued that Gaetz’s efforts to take him down were based on personal grievances over his failure to shut down the ethics inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of campaign funds by the Florida lawmaker," it stated.

The concerns continue to show friction among House Republicans that has been an issue for some time. After taking a record-length of time to confirm McCarthy to start the year, the party has already changed its speaker and dealt with several other controversies.

Democrats hope to use the disunity to help make the case for voters to support them in 2024, including a second term for President Joe Biden.

Republicans face calls to unite under new House Speaker Mike Johnson, emphasizing the need to come together to help improve the party's image before elections next year following losses in key states in November and calls for RNC chair Ronna McDaniel to resign from leading the group.