In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday, the US House of Representatives swiftly shut down a bold attempt by Republican firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene to remove Speaker Mike Johnson from his leadership position. The move, which saw Democrats and Republicans unite in a 359-43 vote to protect Johnson’s speakership, aimed to prevent the chaos that ensued when Johnson’s predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, was ousted in October.
Standing alongside fellow Republican Thomas Massie, Greene criticized Johnson for his willingness to compromise with Democrats, who currently hold the majority in the Senate. She lambasted Johnson for not taking a harder stance on key issues, such as securing the border, despite the razor-thin Republican majority.
As Greene read her resolution on the House floor, the chamber erupted in taunts and cheers, with Democrats chanting the name of their party leader, Hakeem Jeffries. Johnson, who has faced backlash from hardliners within his party for his bipartisan approach to governance, received support from Republican colleagues who shook his hand and patted him on the back.
The situation has highlighted the growing divide within the Republican party, with Greene’s bid to unseat Johnson only garnering support from two other members of her party. Jeffries, who played a crucial role in securing Democratic support for key bills, emerged as a key player in diffusing the tension within Congress.
Despite the failed attempt to remove Johnson, the fallout from Greene’s actions underscores the ongoing power struggles within the Republican party as they navigate a divided government.