Rep. Marc Molinaro, a Republican from New York, has leveled serious accusations against his colleague, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, asserting that she is holding Congress “hostage.” This accusation comes in the wake of Greene’s call for the removal of House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana.
Republican Infighting: The Motion to Vacate
Greene initiated what’s termed a “motion to vacate,” aiming to depose Johnson from his position as Speaker. The momentum behind this effort increased notably when Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, declared his support. Massie criticized Johnson, especially following the latter’s proposal to allocate foreign aid to U.S. allies.
However, Greene’s maneuver has faced strong rebuke from numerous Republican lawmakers. This backlash intensified after the turmoil in the House following the removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year.
Consequences of GOP Division
In an interview with CNN, Molinaro addressed the repercussions of the ongoing Republican infighting, particularly its impact on GOP representatives facing tough reelection battles. He emphasized his commitment to bipartisan cooperation in resolving America’s challenges.
Molinaro explicitly criticized Greene’s tactics, labeling them as theatrical and detrimental to the functioning of Congress. He, along with many conservative and moderate colleagues, called for an end to such disruptive behavior.
Greene’s Response
Responding to Molinaro’s remarks, Greene’s spokesperson, Nick Dyer, displayed apparent disregard, asking, “Who is that?” This dismissive tone underscores the contentious atmosphere within the Republican Party.
Stalled Efforts and Potential Intervention
Despite Greene’s threat to remove Johnson, the process remains stalled in Congress. Even if a vote were to occur, Democrats have hinted at intervening to safeguard Johnson’s position—a contrast to their stance during McCarthy’s removal.
Johnson’s Defiance and Growing Opposition
Johnson, undeterred by the controversy, reaffirmed his commitment to providing foreign aid to U.S. allies. This stance has further fueled discontent among right-wing Republicans, particularly regarding aid to Ukraine. If dissatisfaction with Johnson escalates within the GOP, his tenure as Speaker could face heightened jeopardy.