Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is facing intense backlash after joining the Aspen Economic Strategy Group, a think tank that also welcomed John Podesta and Janet Yellen—two prominent figures of the Biden administration.
The move has fueled accusations of McCarthy cozying up to the so-called “uniparty,” a term used to describe establishment figures from both sides of the aisle working against conservative interests.
The Aspen Economic Strategy Group, a division of the Aspen Institute, announced its new members in a statement, listing McCarthy alongside other political heavyweights such as Steven Mnuchin, Rahm Emanuel, Gina Raimondo, and Joseph Manchin III. However, it was McCarthy’s inclusion with longtime Democrat powerbrokers John Podesta—former Hillary Clinton campaign chair—and Janet Yellen—Biden’s Treasury Secretary—that set off a firestorm.
It didn’t take long for McCarthy’s detractors to pounce. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who played a leading role in McCarthy’s ouster as Speaker, blasted the move on social media, writing:
“BREAKING: Ousted @SpeakerMcCarthy joins think tank with @johnpodesta, who ran Hillary Clinton’s campaign!” Gaetz wrote.
BREAKING: Ousted @SpeakerMcCarthy joins think tank with @johnpodesta, who ran Hillary Clinton’s campaign! https://t.co/zH0JveBzOs
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) March 12, 2025
Gaetz’s reaction echoed the sentiments of many conservatives who view McCarthy’s decision as a betrayal. Social media exploded with accusations that McCarthy has fully embraced the establishment, with many calling him a “snake” and questioning whether he was ever truly aligned with the America First movement.
McCarthy, once a rising star in the GOP, has struggled to regain credibility among conservatives since his historic ousting in October 2023—the first time a sitting House Speaker was removed in a floor vote. His failure to secure conservative priorities, including meaningful spending cuts and border security measures, left him vulnerable to a coup led by Gaetz and other members of the House Freedom Caucus.
Now, joining a group that includes key figures of the Biden administration and globalist economic elites, McCarthy has fueled suspicions that he was never a true conservative ally.
Podesta, a longtime Democrat strategist and former White House official, has been at the center of controversial policies, including Biden’s green energy initiatives and the infamous Clinton email scandal. His close ties to progressive groups and globalist organizations make him an odd pairing with any so-called Republican leader.
Janet Yellen, the recently outgoing Treasury Secretary, has presided over record inflation, reckless government spending, and an America-last economic policy that has prioritized Ukraine and China over struggling Americans. Her continued influence, especially in economic circles, remains a sore spot for many conservatives.