Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for betraying Republican voters by supporting new aid to Ukraine. She threatened to call a vote for his ouster if he does not resign, claiming his speakership is over. Despite previously resisting putting a foreign aid bill on the House floor, Johnson joined Democrats in passing a $95 billion foreign aid package, including $61 billion for Ukraine and regional partners. The legislation received support from both Democrats and Republicans and is expected to be approved by the Senate this week.
If Greene and her supporters follow through on their threat to force a vote on ousting Johnson as speaker, he will likely need help from Democrats to maintain his position. At least three Republicans have expressed support for removing Johnson, whose slim majority cannot afford to lose any Republican votes. Although Johnson has stated that he has not asked for Democratic help, senior Republicans believe they can rely on support from across the aisle to defeat any motion to vacate the speaker’s chair, which may have influenced his decision to move forward with the aid package.
It remains uncertain whether Democrats will support Johnson or not. Some Democrats have shown a willingness to save Johnson, particularly after he defied his right flank to push through the foreign aid package. Rep. Ro Khanna, a progressive Democrat, stated that he would vote against a motion to remove Johnson from the speakership, praising his actions on the aid package. Greene, who has been critical of Johnson, claimed she has been responsible throughout the process and hinted that the motion to vacate will happen as a result of Johnson’s betrayals.
Despite the looming threat of an ouster effort, Johnson appeared unfazed and dismissed concerns about a motion to vacate. He emphasized the importance of doing what he believes is right for the House and allowing the process to proceed accordingly. Johnson expressed confidence in his decisions and maintained that he has acted in the best interest of the House. The potential ouster of Johnson as speaker has sparked political tension and speculation within the Republican Party, highlighting divisions and disagreements over the handling of foreign aid and other key issues.
