This week has been quite a whirlwind for the U.S. House of Representatives, as they have recently ousted now former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and replaced him with Patrick McHenry (R-NC). This change is likely to usher in a new era that many Republicans have eagerly awaited.
And as McHenry’s first official act as interim Speaker of the House? He has given former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and her longtime number two, Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), just 24 hours to vacate office spaces traditionally reserved for former speakers.
This move sent shockwaves throughout Congress, with Democrats speaking out against what they saw as a mean and petty action by Republicans.
NEWS — HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP has kicked @RepStenyHoyer out of his Capitol hideaway.
Republicans — McCarthy — are taking revenge for Democrats voting with @mattgaetz to boot @SpeakerMcCarthy from the speakership.
Expect more of this, GOP sources tell us.
Me and…
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 4, 2023
An email from McHenry to Pelosi and Hoyer said that their respective offices would be repossessed for his use, according to Margaret Mulkerrin who serves as a spokesperson for Rep. Hoyer.
Photos posted on X showed staffers assisting staff members in removing desks, televisions and other items from both offices, suggesting that this order was taken very seriously by those involved.
UPDATE: Picture Tonight Outside of former Speaker Pelosi's Office.. Her staff is actually moving her out of the Speakers Office she refused to vacate as Demanded by the Temporary Speaker..
I can't stop laughing.. #NoSquatters https://t.co/5iXFxaWjX5 pic.twitter.com/ODIF4R9r7Y
— Matt Couch (@RealMattCouch) October 4, 2023
The 84-year old Maryland Democrat had served as Chair of House Democratic Caucus in the 1990s before going on to whip votes for Pelosi during her reign at the top of the House.
As a result of his seniority within Congress, Hoyer was provided with an unlisted room close to the chamber so it made this eviction even more bitter for Democrats who felt it was unnecessary and disrespectful towards their colleagues.
Not surprisingly, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi didn’t take kindly to this news, issuing a statement accusing McHenry of trolling her and her deputy instead of focusing on more pressing issues facing the country at this time. She also noted that due to her current absence in California—to mourn the loss of friend Dianne Feinstein—she wouldn’t be able to retrieve any personal belongings in her office anytime soon.
Many prominent Democrats came out in support of Pelosi following these events including Rep Jim McGovern (D-MA), who tweeted that “Republicans have no class” when it comes to dealing with their counterparts”.
Republicans have no class. The problem is not just that they are incompetent—it’s that they are mean and petty.
By the way, Nancy Pelosi is in California for the funeral of her dear friend, Diane Feinstein. https://t.co/8YBhtV3bkN
— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) October 4, 2023
Rep McHenry will serve as Speaker Pro Temp until Republicans elect a new permanent leader.