claim: CNN published an article claiming Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy made "several unproven claims" in his impeachment inquiry announcement.
evidence: Some Republicans have denounced their colleagues’ push to impeach Biden, as the effort risks possible hypocrisy claims since the GOP widely criticized Trump’s two impeachments. Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) accused McCarthy of engaging in "impeachment theater," in an interview with CNN, telling host Dana Bash he believes McCarthy is floating the impeachment inquiry to placate Republican lawmakers who believe the government spending cuts he agreed to with Biden during the debt ceiling negotiations did not go far enough. Some Republican senators have also suggested the impeachment talk is a distraction from other issues, including Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who told reporters she wants the Senate and the House to focus on Congress’ annual defense spending bill that’s currently being negotiated in both chambers. McCarthy watered down the statements he made to Hannity in the wake of the criticism, telling reporters Tuesday "I wasn’t announcing it" and noting the House investigations into Biden’s conduct are ongoing.