Adam Kinzinger criticizes Kevin McCarthy at Toronto film festival

In a new documentary titled 'The Last Republican,' former Congressman Adam Kinzinger criticizes Kevin McCarthy for his role in enabling Donald Trump's influence within the GOP following the January 6 insurrection. Kinzinger, who voted for Trump's impeachment and served on the bipartisan committee investigating the attack, argues that McCarthy's decision to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago marked a pivotal moment in the party's direction. He believes this meeting signified McCarthy's choice to support Trump, prioritizing his ambition over the party's integrity. Kinzinger expresses that he is more frustrated with McCarthy than Trump, viewing the former House Speaker as Trump's 'chief enabler.' He reflects on the emotional toll of their friendship's demise, emphasizing that McCarthy's actions were driven by a desire to regain power rather than uphold moral principles. Kinzinger describes McCarthy's embrace of Trump as a 'deal with the devil,' suggesting that it ultimately led to McCarthy's ousting from the speakership. The documentary reveals the internal conflict within the Republican Party, where members faced a choice between moving on from Trump or aligning with him. Kinzinger's perspective highlights the consequences of McCarthy's decision, which he believes shifted the party's energy back towards Trump and the MAGA elements. Kinzinger's remarks underscore a broader concern about the moral direction of the GOP and the implications of prioritizing personal ambition over the nation's well-being. He hopes that the film will shed light on these issues and encourage reflection on the party's future.