The ongoing criticism of House Speaker Mike Johnson by conservatives over his support for Ukraine aid has escalated, with Representative Anna Paulina Luna warning of a potential GOP plan that could lead to a Democratic House speaker if a motion to vacate is introduced. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene previously introduced a motion to vacate against Johnson, which did not automatically prompt a vote. However, Greene and Representative Thomas Massie have continued to express opposition to Johnson’s push for Ukraine aid, with Greene criticizing the recent passage of a $95 billion aid package that includes funding for Ukraine.
Representatives Luna and Matt Gaetz discussed the unprivileged motion to vacate Johnson in a recent interview, highlighting the potential consequences of a Democrat becoming speaker. Gaetz warned about the impact a Democrat speaker would have, such as declaring Donald Trump an insurrectionist and pushing for a significant spending package. Luna mentioned the possibility of moderate members of Congress resigning if the motion is introduced, potentially leading to a Democrat becoming speaker. With the GOP facing a slim majority in the House, Johnson may need Democratic support to maintain his speakership amidst the growing dissent within his party.
At present, Greene and Massie are the primary supporters of the motion to vacate Johnson, while others have also criticized his leadership. Representative Mike Gallagher’s recent resignation has further narrowed the GOP’s majority in the House, leaving Johnson with limited room for dissent from within his own party. Johnson has cautioned against the potential chaos a motion to vacate could bring to Congress, particularly as the Republican Party aims to maintain majority control in the upcoming midterm elections. Luna’s comments reflect concerns about the potential repercussions of removing Johnson and the implications of a Democrat becoming speaker.
Gaetz has been increasingly critical of Johnson but has not explicitly supported the motion to vacate. He mentioned Representative Lauren Boebert as a potential candidate who could lead better than Johnson, though Boebert herself has not shown interest in pursuing the position. The dynamics within the GOP regarding Johnson’s leadership and the allocation of Ukraine aid have led to significant divisions within the party, with implications for the future direction of Republican leadership in the House. The ongoing controversy underscores broader tensions within the party as members grapple with competing priorities and ideologies regarding foreign aid and domestic security measures.
