In a recent development that further narrows the Republican majority in the House of Representatives after the 2022 election, former President Donald Trump criticized GOP lawmaker Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) for confirming his plans to retire early. This exodus of members from the House has raised concerns about the GOP's ability to effectively push forward party-line issues.

According to a report by the Washington Examiner, Rep. Gallagher is set to step down in April, despite efforts by House leadership to urge him to remain in office. This news prompted a disgusted reaction from Trump, who expressed his disappointment on his page on the newly launched social media platform, Truth Social. Trump called out the "cowards and weaklings" and labeled the situation a disgrace.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) reportedly requested Gallagher not to resign on April 19, as previously announced. However, Gallagher remained firm in his decision. This adds to the list of lawmakers who have recently left Congress for various reasons, further diminishing the GOP's ability to make headway on party-line issues.

Among those who have either resigned or announced their departure are Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who left after losing the speakership, Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH), who stepped down to become president of Youngstown State University, and Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO). On the Democratic side, Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY) resigned in February to take on a leadership position at Shea's Performing Arts Center, while Democrat Tom Suozzi succeeded Rep. George Santos (R-NY) after winning a special election.

With the current count of 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats in the House, along with four vacancies, Gallagher's impending exit would leave a fifth vacant seat, further impacting the House's ability to function at its fullest capacity. Special elections have been arranged to fill the gaps, but in the meantime, the chamber will face additional challenges.

Gallagher, in his official statement, expressed that after discussions with his family, he has decided to resign from his position as a member of the House of Representatives for Wisconsin's Eighth Congressional District effective April 19, 2024. He mentioned working closely with House Republican leadership on this timeline and emphasized the importance of appointing a new chair for the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

House Speaker Johnson had previously acknowledged the challenges faced by House Republicans due to their slim majority and the Democratic control of the Senate and White House. He emphasized the need to stick to core conservative principles while acknowledging the reality of the situation.

As the GOP faces a diminishing majority in the House, the political landscape and dynamics within Congress continue to evolve. The implications of these departures and changes in leadership remain to be seen, as the remaining members of the House navigate the current political climate and work towards their respective goals.