'Nobody cares what she thinks': Even MAGA Republicans are fed up with MTG’s antics

11 April 2024

In late October, allies of Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) breathed a sigh of relief when House Republicans unanimously confirmed him as House speaker — a confirmation that followed weeks of chaos and turmoil after former Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-California) was ousted from that position thanks to a "motion to vacate" triggered by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida).

But after six months as speaker, Johnson may face the same fate that McCarthy suffered.

Far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia) is threatening to use the "motion to vacate" tool against Johnson. And if she succeeds in forcing a vote and enough lawmakers vote to oust Johnson, the House will be without a speaker once again.

In a biting April 10 column, Vanity Fair's Bess Levin stresses that even far-right MAGA Republicans have grown fed up with Greene's "antics."

"As you've probably heard by now," Levin explains, "Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is attempting to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson — who just got the job in October after the Freedom Caucus pushed out Kevin McCarthy — because she's mad he's attempting to send aid to Ukraine. Greene's efforts have thus far included bizarrely labeling Johnson 'a Democrat,' filing a motion to remove him, and calling his proposal to loan Ukraine money a 'steaming pile of b******t.' And unfortunately for Greene, a 'steaming pile of b******t' is basically what her colleagues are calling her attempt to boot the House leader."

Levin notes that House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good (R-Virginia) has been especially critical of Greene's threat to oust Johnson as speaker.

Good told CNN, "Nobody cares what Marjorie Taylor Greene says or thinks. And she's a one-man show. She's grandstanding, and she wants attention."

On April 9, Greene sent a five-page letter to fellow House Republicans making a case for ousting Johnson as speaker. Asked about the letter, Good told Axios, "I have not looked at it yet. I don't have any comment on anything she does."

Other Republicans were critical of the letter as well.

Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) told Axios, "I glanced at it…. I didn't think much of it."

A GOP congressman, quoted anonymously, told Axios he is "exhausted" by Greene's theatrics. And Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) said of Greene's letter, "It's wrong. It weakens the team. It creates anarchy, creates chaos."

Levin observes, "The Georgia congresswoman, whose entire brand is about seeking attention, insisted to reporters that that is not what is going on here, saying, per Axios, 'If I had wanted attention…. I would've been on the bandwagon to oust Kevin McCarthy. I wasn't a part of that. I support my conference."

Read Bess Levin's full Vanity Fair column at this link and Axios' report here.

From Your Site Articles