Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Attempt to Remove House Speaker Fails

Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene faced a major defeat in her attempt to remove Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Greene’s motion to oust Johnson, citing his support for a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, was overwhelmingly rejected in a 359-43 vote, with both Democrats and Republicans opposing her.

During her speech on the House floor, Greene was met with loud boos from fellow members of the chamber. Following the vote, Johnson expressed relief that the distraction caused by Greene’s motion would not hinder the important work ahead.

Greene’s motion was seen as a rare act of defiance against the party’s presumptive presidential nominee, Donald Trump, who had voiced support for Johnson and criticized the drive to remove him.

Only two other Republican members of Congress, Thomas Massie and Paul Gosar, supported Greene’s motion. Greene accused Johnson of compromising with Democrats and impeding Republican efforts to influence legislation.

Despite Trump’s initial praise for Greene, he urged Republicans to reject her motion, emphasizing the need for unity within the party. Greene’s motion, filed in March, triggered a vote on Johnson’s removal, highlighting the divisions within the Republican Party.

The unusual move to back a Republican House Speaker by Democrats was due to the narrow margins in the chamber, but recent criticisms of Johnson’s meetings with Greene raised questions about potential concessions. Johnson denied any negotiations with Greene and reaffirmed his commitment to his role as Speaker.