Politics
Far-right Representative Threatens to Remove Speaker Mike Johnson After Ukraine Aid Approval
Republican infighting within the US House escalated as far-right representative Marjorie Taylor Greene renewed her criticism of Republican Speaker Mike Johnson following the House’s approval of $61 billion in military aid for Ukraine.
The bipartisan vote on the aid package saw 210 Democrats and 101 Republicans supporting Ukraine, while 112 Republicans voted against it, highlighting the deep divisions within the GOP.
Greene accused Johnson of working for the Democrats and betraying the party’s values, stating that his speakership was ‘over’ and that he should resign to allow for party progress.
Following months of stalling, Johnson finally forced a vote on the $95 billion foreign aid package, including crucial support for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other allies in the Pacific region. The Senate is expected to pass the House bill this coming week.
The decision to proceed with the aid package further exacerbated the rift within the Republican Party, with some members insisting on tying foreign aid to domestic priorities such as border security.
In a recent interview, Greene hinted at a motion to remove Johnson from the speakership, along with support from fellow Republicans Thomas Massie and Paul Gosar, although no formal steps have been taken yet.
While some Republicans, like Tony Gonzales, believe Johnson will survive the backlash and that his leadership during this aid approval process was commendable, others, including Greene, remain adamant about holding him accountable.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s future as House speaker, the political tension within the GOP continues to mount, with implications for party unity and strategy moving forward.