Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) met with a group of Republicans, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Thomas Massie (R-KY), and Paul Gosar (R), who are urging him to leave his coalition government with Democrats and return to the Republican Party. They gathered in Johnson’s Capitol office for an hour to discuss accountability measures and the possibility of a motion to vacate vote to remove Johnson as Speaker. The details of their discussions were leaked to the media, prompting Greene and Massie to address the press.
Greene and Massie presented Johnson with various requests, including following the Hastert Rule, no more funding for Ukraine, defunding special counsels prosecuting Donald Trump, and implementing the “Massie rule” for spending cuts. Johnson denied that he was negotiating with Greene and Massie, insisting that their meetings were part of his routine interactions with lawmakers.
Despite Johnson’s reluctance to acknowledge negotiations, Greene and Massie made it clear that the ball was in his court. They emphasized the need for action from Johnson to align with Republican priorities and serve the American people. They expressed impatience with Johnson’s stalling tactics and urged him to make a decision promptly.
Greene and Massie emphasized their commitment to the Republican majority and their efforts to end the coalition government created by Johnson. They challenged Johnson to choose whether he wants to be a Republican or a Democrat Speaker and urged him to work in the best interests of the majority. They made it clear that they would use their leverage to push for changes and uphold Republican values.
