GOP rebels retreat from threat to oust Speaker Mike Johnson as they seek deal, Internet says 'MTG is a clown'
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The fringe members of House GOP who were set on removing Mike Johnson (R-La) from the chair of the Speaker took a step back on Tuesday, May 7, according to Fox News.
Reps Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky) met with Johnson consecutively on Monday and Tuesday, where they reportedly outlined their list of demands to the Speaker. The shift in tone followed the meeting, where Rep Paul Gosar (R-Ariz), the third and final GOP member backing the motion to oust Johnson, was absent.
The demands of the rebellious lawmakers included a pledge to cease further aid to Ukraine and defund the Special Counsel investigation into Donald Trump.
They also sought assurances that the Speaker would not bring any bill to vote without support from a majority of the House GOP conference, and would commit to cutting federal spending if a deal to fund the government in fiscal year 2025 is not reached by the end of September.
Statement of the GOP Representatives
Interacting with reporters alongside Massie after the meeting with Speaker Johnson, Greene stated, "We've had discussions in the speaker's office and right now the ball is in Mike Johnson's court."
"He understands that he's got to be our Republican Speaker of the House. The things that we've discussed about, that got leaked out to the press, are very simple and they serve the American people. They serve the people that gave us the majority," she continued.
When asked how long the Speaker had to act on their demands, Greene said that they "did not give a specific timeline, but it's pretty short," adding that it was "unrealistic" to expect instantaneous results.
"If his plan is to drag this out until the pressure comes off of this, and to drag it out for weeks or days without making some movement in our direction, then he would just be far better off to have this vote and get it behind him. It doesn't serve him or us to drag this out," mentioned Massie, later adding, "But if it does become obvious that he's just trying to drag this out, we'll do him a favor. We'll do you a favor. We'll do the GOP a favor, and we'll call this motion."
Speaker Johnson commented on the meeting, telling reporters, "We're talking through ideas and suggestions. It's what I do with all members all the time. So there's nothing unusual."
Internet reacts to the changing tone of GOP Reps
"Failure Marjorie. Her permanent nickname," a reader slammed MTG while commenting on the issue on the Fox News website.
"Try to come together in an election year, stop pushing your personal agendas!" exclaimed another.
"Greene and Massie need to be replaced!!" demanded a third.
"GOP rebels shoot false blanks," jibed a fourth.
"It's the GOP vs the GOP. Who will be the biggest loser?" quipped a fifth.
Another said, "HAHAHA! Like there was any other possible outcome. Of course they backed down. They had no leverage. MTG is a clown."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
