House conservatives are voicing concerns over the Democrats’ show of support for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) amid efforts by some Republicans to oust him from his position. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) suggested to Fox News Digital that the Democrats’ support might be a psychological operation to ultimately push Johnson out a sentiment echoed by others who see this as a maneuver to provoke Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) into forcing a vote.
Happening now: @RepMTG and I are hosting a press conference at the Capitol to discuss our plans for the Motion to Vacate and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ written endorsement of Mike Johnson to remain as Speaker. https://t.co/ejqu3485PH
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) May 1, 2024
Critics argue that Democratic leaders by pledging to block any motions to oust Johnson effectively ensured his position as Speaker thus allowing him to continue pushing bipartisan measures contradicting the more conservative America First base of the GOP. In a statement alongside other Democratic leaders House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) praised the bipartisan collaboration while simultaneously condemning what he termed “MAGA extremism.”
Greene along with Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Paul Gosar (R-AZ) spearheads the effort to remove Johnson primarily over his approval of a substantial $95 billion foreign aid package that includes funds for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. This group’s strategy reflects a growing fracture within the party.
The situation underscores the precarious balance Johnson must maintain. With a narrow majority he risks alienation from his party’s conservative base and the potential necessity of relying on Democratic votes to maintain his position. The Democrats’ strategy to support Johnson can be seen as a strategic effort to deepen Republican divisions and secure more leverage in future negotiations.
