DC insider’s tell-all shines new light on powerful Alabama Republican lunging at Matt Gaetz

A revealing new book pulls back the curtain on one of the most volatile moments in recent congressional history. In Glory, Grief, and the Gavel, set to hit shelves this Tuesday, former deputy chief of staff John Leganski provides an inside look at the heated exchange between U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and then-Rep. Matt Gaetz during the chaotic House Speaker election in January 2023.

A Night of Legislative Gridlock

As detailed in a CBS News exclusive, the tension reached a boiling point on January 6, 2023, during the 14th round of voting. After days of legislative deadlock fueled by a small group of far-right holdouts led by Gaetz, emotions on the floor were running high.

The situation intensified when Gaetz voted “present,” stalling Kevin McCarthy’s bid for the speakership yet again. According to Leganski’s account, when McCarthy’s staff urged Gaetz to allow the process to move forward so members could tend to personal and health emergencies, Gaetz remained unmoved. “I don’t think you understand,” Gaetz reportedly told the staff. “That does not concern me whatsoever. Personal appeals have no effect on me.”

The Confrontation

As the argument over the voting schedule raged, Rogers—a longtime Armed Services Committee chairman—stepped in. Leganski writes that Rogers confronted the Florida Republican, yelling, “Matt, I won’t forget this. You hear me?”

The scene escalated toward a physical altercation before Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., intervened, famously grabbing Rogers by the face to pull him away from the argument. The intensity of the night affected others in the chamber as well; Leganski notes that Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., was seen weeping, while Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Tex., recited the Rosary while staring at Gaetz.

Aftermath and Political Shifts

Despite the fireworks, Gaetz approached McCarthy later that night, signaling a breakthrough: “We’re good. We’ll do it tonight.” McCarthy was ultimately elected on the 15th ballot. Following the incident, Rogers issued a public apology on X for “briefly losing his temper,” which Gaetz graciously accepted.

The political alliance, however, proved fragile. Less than a year later, Gaetz spearheaded the effort to oust McCarthy from the speakership. Gaetz resigned from Congress in 2024 and later withdrew his nomination for U.S. attorney general amid various allegations. He is now a television host on the One America News Network. Representatives for both Rogers and Gaetz declined to comment on the book's claims.