Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has taken a hardline stance against Speaker Mike Johnson, warning him that moving ahead with an aid package for Ukraine would be one of the most egregious actions he could take. She believes GOP voters are furious with Johnson for recent deal-making to keep the government open and has threatened to force a House vote seeking his ouster. Greene emphasized that she would not accept any package that included more funding for Ukraine, even if it included some border security provisions.
Greene’s comments highlight the power of individual members in Johnson’s narrow GOP majority, where any single lawmaker can force a vote seeking his ouster, making governing difficult at times. With divisions within the GOP ranks, moving any Ukraine bill with significant Democratic support could cause more anger among constituents. Johnson is trying to navigate this delicate situation as Ukraine needs US support, but with deep GOP divisions on the issue.
Despite warnings from conservative members of her party, Greene is undeterred in her efforts to oust Johnson and has made it clear that other members are on her target list. She believes her support will continue to grow and has gained momentum, though she did not disclose which Republicans are behind her effort. Greene also rejects the idea that removing Johnson could lead to a more moderate speaker, emphasizing that Johnson is already further to the left than she believes is acceptable.
Johnson, who has had to work with Democrats to pass funding and security bills, is facing opposition from within his party, including from Greene. Any one member can call for a vote seeking the ouster of a sitting speaker, leading to chaos within the House as witnessed in the past. Greene has drafted a resolution to kick Johnson out of the speakership, but has not yet revealed when she will call for a vote, which she can force within two legislative days.
In addition to her efforts against Johnson, Greene has also targeted Virginia Rep. Bob Good, whom she plans to campaign against in his primary. She has criticized Good for his support of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over former President Donald Trump in the GOP presidential primary and believes her endorsement of Good’s opponent will shift the race in favor of John McGuire. Despite pushback from Good and other Republicans, Greene remains steadfast in her mission to influence party politics and election outcomes.
Greene’s strong stand against Ukraine aid packages that she deems as unacceptable and her efforts to challenge party members like Johnson and Good have sparked controversy within the GOP. She continues to garner attention for her confrontational approach and willingness to take on established party figures. As she prepares to push for Johnson’s removal and campaign against Good, Greene’s influence within the party and impact on upcoming elections remain significant points of interest and contention.
