House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is facing criticism from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) for her motion to vacate his position in the Speaker’s office next week. Greene announced this motion at a press conference, and Johnson responded by calling it “wrong” for the Republican Conference, the institution, and the country.
Greene initially filed the motion before the Easter recess, but it was not privileged at that time. Once she makes it privileged, the House will be required to consider it within two days. The motion gained support from Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Paul Gosar (R-AZ) after recent events, including Johnson violating the Hastert rule and passing foreign aid bills without border funding.
In response to Democrat leadership planning to table the vote on her motion, Greene criticized Johnson for aligning with them and neglecting the Republican agenda. She emphasized the need for a change in leadership and expressed satisfaction that Democrats were willing to support Johnson.
Massie, who cosponsored the motion, expressed the hope that Johnson would step aside once the GOP conference reached a consensus on a new Speaker. He commended Greene for her approach and efforts to hold the Speaker accountable.