Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has declared her intention to initiate a vote to remove Speaker Mike Johnson, citing deviations from core GOP values, NBC News reported.
During a news conference outside the Capitol, Rep. Greene, a Republican from Georgia, accused Speaker Mike Johnson of betraying Republican principles through his policies on government funding, support for Ukraine, and the reauthorization of the FISA surveillance program.
Greene's call to action has garnered minimal support from her colleagues, with only Reps. Thomas Massie from Kentucky and Paul Gosar from Arizona are co-sponsors. Despite the low backing, the seriousness of the motion carries significant implications for the House's leadership structure.
Opposition to Greene's motion is robust among Democrats. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic leaders have publicly supported Johnson, vowing to thwart Greene's effort by tabling the motion.
They emphasized their commitment to curtailing what they described as "MAGA extremism" and dismissed the push against Johnson as "Pro-Putin Republican obstruction."
Despite the internal conflict, Johnson has recently succeeded in passing significant legislation, including a $95 billion national security package that President Joe Biden has signed into law. This package bolsters aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, and includes measures against TikTok, a popular social media platform.
Greene has criticized Johnson for his willingness to collaborate with Democrats, labeling him a member of the "uniparty" that blurs partisan lines.
This accusation contrasts with the recent Democratic support for Johnson, which marks a significant shift from their previous stance during Kevin McCarthy's speakership.
The Democratic leadership's support for Johnson is seen as a setback and a potential political lever for Greene. By aligning with Johnson, Democrats appear to solidify their strategy of bipartisan cooperation, which they believe is essential for national security and legislative effectiveness.
Speaker Johnson responded to Greene's announcement with concern, stating that such a motion would be detrimental to the Republican Conference, the institutional integrity of the House, and the country at large. His reaction underscores the potential fallout from such a divisive motion within party ranks.
At the same conference, Rep. Massie defended Greene's credibility and dedication as a lawmaker, countering narratives questioning her seriousness and legislative intent. His support highlights the deep divisions within the party that are likely to influence its future direction.
In conclusion, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's planned motion to oust Speaker Mike Johnson underscores a significant rift within the Republican Party, challenging the party's unity and strategic direction.
This move forces members from both parties to reconsider their alliances and strategies, as the House's leadership hangs in the balance. As the vote approaches, all eyes will be on how this political drama unfolds, shaping the landscape of American politics.
