Former President Donald Trump criticized Representative Majorie Taylor Greene for pursuing her failed attempt to oust Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, warning that it could cause chaos among Republicans and harm his 2024 election chances. Greene, a favorite of Trump’s MAGA movement, accused Johnson of being a member of “the uniparty” and pushed for his removal, citing his support for military aid to Ukraine. However, Greene’s motion to vacate Johnson’s speakership was overwhelmingly rejected by the House, with 359 members voting to table the motion, including most Republicans and Democrats. Trump praised Greene’s spirit and fight but warned that her actions were causing GOP disunity.
Trump urged House Republicans to focus on fighting against “radical left Democrats” instead of pursuing motions that could harm party unity. He expressed concern that any disunity within the party would be portrayed as chaos and negatively impact their chances in the upcoming elections. While Trump acknowledged Greene’s efforts, he also called Johnson a good man who is trying hard, and suggested that Republicans focus on winning big by supporting his presidency. Many GOP lawmakers criticized Greene’s motion to vacate Johnson, with some calling it a “temper tantrum” and a “dumpster fire” that would not lead to conservative victories.
Despite Greene’s efforts to remove Johnson, the majority of GOP lawmakers oppose further Ukraine aid and other measures that Johnson has supported. This opposition has led to criticism of Greene’s actions from within her own party, with some colleagues booing her when she introduced the motion in the House. Republican Representative Kelly Armstrong described the motion as a congressional temper tantrum, while GOP Congressman Dusty Johnson called it a futile attempt that would not deliver conservative victories. Representative Bob Good, chair of the House Freedom Caucus, suggested that Greene’s actions were not in the best interests of former President Trump, especially six months before an election.
Johnson has been dismissive of Greene’s efforts to remove him, stating that he does not spend much time thinking about her or her plans. Despite Greene’s support from Trump and her dedication to challenging party members she disagrees with, her motion to vacate Johnson’s speakership was ultimately unsuccessful. As the GOP faces internal divisions and disagreements over policies like Ukraine aid, the party must navigate these challenges in order to present a united front against the “radical left Democrats” in future elections.
