Special Poll
On Friday, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) filed a motion to vacate against House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), signaling a potential challenge to his leadership. This move doesn’t immediately trigger a vote to remove Johnson but sets the stage for a possible contentious debate in the House.
The significance of this action is underscored by the recent history of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) being the first House speaker to be ousted following a similar motion last year by hardline Republicans. Greene has expressed that she will initiate a vote to remove Johnson if he proceeds with aid to Ukraine, which she and other staunch Republicans strongly oppose.
Greene explained her action as a cautionary step, stating, “I filed a motion to vacate today, but it’s more of a warning than a pink slip.” She emphasized her reluctance to cause disruption within the House, framing the move as a call for a new speaker aligned with Republican principles rather than bipartisan cooperation.
On the other side, a spokesperson for Johnson, Raj Shah, highlighted the Speaker’s commitment to addressing member concerns while concentrating on legislative priorities that reflect conservative values, including border security and national defense.
According to a House official, Greene’s motion won’t be immediately actionable due to its non-privileged status, implying a delay until after the House’s forthcoming two-week recess. Meanwhile, reactions among hardline Republicans are mixed, with some aligning with Greene’s frustration, yet others, especially within the Freedom Caucus from which Greene was previously expelled, remain critical or dismissive of her tactics.
As the situation evolves, the dynamic in the House remains complex, with some Democrats signaling a preference for maintaining stability under Johnson, contrasting with the backdrop of last year’s removal of McCarthy. This unfolding scenario suggests an upcoming period of strategic negotiations and potential shifts in House leadership dynamics.