In response to a wave of GOP House members leaving their seats, former President Donald Trump took aim at the departures, throwing the already slim Republican majority into question. Trump's criticisms were directed at outgoing Republican Representative Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin and former Representative Ken Buck of Colorado, both of whom opted to retire early from Congress, leaving their seats vacant.

In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump expressed his disdain, stating, "Never forget our cowards and weaklings! Such a disgrace." His comments were prompted by an article discussing Gallagher's resignation. Gallagher will step down from Congress in mid-April, leaving his seat open until January of next year. Meanwhile, Buck resigned last week and is set to be replaced in June.

These openings, combined with other vacancies in the House, have significantly diminished the GOP majority, narrowing it down to just a single seat after Gallagher departs. This further complicates the already challenging task of passing party-line votes. The situation has fueled speculation that Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York could potentially be named Speaker, as some Republicans are reportedly in revolt against Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana.

Trump's criticisms of Gallagher resonate with many within the GOP, as the Congressman's decision to time his resignation perfectly with Wisconsin law seemingly aims to bypass a special election. This move ensures that his seat will remain empty until January, rather than being filled in a few months' time. Some Republican voices, such as Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, have even called for Gallagher's expulsion as a form of punishment, although this effort has not gained significant support.

The next vacant seat to be filled will be that of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California, which is scheduled for the end of April, allowing for approximately three weeks with a one-seat majority for the Republicans.

Gallagher attributed his departure to the dysfunction within the GOP, stating in a February interview that he believes Congress should not be a career. This sentiment aligns with his initial decision not to seek reelection.

As the Republican majority hangs by a thread, the departures of key members have brought uncertainty and speculation to the forefront. The future political landscape in the House remains unpredictable, with Republican leaders under pressure to navigate these challenges and maintain their fragile majority.