Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House, recently found himself in his party’s crosshairs. Threatened with a motion to vacate his seat, Johnson sought counsel from an unexpected source: fiery GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, a figure notorious for his clashes with the establishment.
Gaetz, surprisingly, emerged as a staunch ally, advising Johnson to adopt a more combative stance and secure conservative victories to shore up his support. “The speaker wants to put wins on the board for House Republicans, and we better start doing that,” Gaetz emphasized in a recent interview.
“I gave the speaker some unsolicited advice. That we’ve got to get into a fighting posture. And I was very pleased with how the speaker received that advice,” Gaetz confirmed in an interview with CNN.“
”The speaker wants to put wins on the board for House Republicans, and we better start doing that. I’m glad the speaker hasn’t rolled over to the $95 billion Ukraine supplemental that the Senate passed, and I think that he’s forging a better path on that issue as we speak.”
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Johnson, grappling with discontent from his right flank over a bipartisan spending deal, faces a critical juncture in his leadership. The looming issue of funding for Ukraine’s conflict with Russia could prove decisive. While Johnson’s handling of this matter could shape his political future, the threat of a motion to vacate amplifies the stakes.
The specter of a potential ousting, fueled by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s motion, casts a shadow over Johnson’s tenure. Despite assurances from allies that Greene lacks the necessary support, Johnson remains watchful, publicly addressing the challenge as a “distraction from our mission.”
“I think all of my other colleagues recognize that this is a distraction from our mission. Again, the mission is to save the republic,” Johnson said on Fox News. “Marjorie is a friend,” Johnson added, noting that the two had exchanged text messages as recently as Sunday.
“She’s very frustrated about, for example, the last appropriations bills. Guess what? So am I. These are not the most perfect pieces of legislation that you and I and Marjorie would draft if we had the ability to do it differently,” Johnson said.
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The narrow House Republican majority, coupled with Greene’s unpredictability, shows the urgency of his response. Behind the scenes, Johnson strategizes with key allies on the Ukraine issue during the Easter recess.
Yet, Johnson’s maneuvers are fraught with challenges. Democrats signal conditional support, dependent on a Ukraine bill meeting their criteria. Meanwhile, hardliners like Gaetz demand fiscal responsibility and prioritize domestic issues over foreign aid.
The dynamics within the GOP further complicate Johnson’s calculus. While some, like Rep. Bob Good, dismiss Greene’s efforts as grandstanding, others express reservations about a potential leadership change. Rep. Andrew Clyde emphasizes the need for border security, hinting at a broader ideological rift.
Amidst the turmoil, concerns mount over the repercussions of a protracted leadership battle. Some fear a fractured GOP coalition could inadvertently empower Democrats, leading to unforeseen consequences.
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Greene, undeterred by dissent, maintains her pressure campaign against Johnson, leveraging social media and private discussions to rally support for her cause. Despite divisions within the party, Greene remains resolute in her quest for change.
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