Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has once again taken on her role as a conservative firebrand, causing headaches for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) as he settles into his leadership position in the House GOP conference's narrow majority. In an interview with The Hill, Greene expressed her dissatisfaction with Johnson's early Speakership record and criticized his need to earn her trust.

Greene, who initially became a nuisance for top lawmakers upon her arrival on Capitol Hill in 2021, had experienced a shift in her relationship with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who embraced her and turned her into a leadership ally. However, as McCarthy's departure fades into the past, Greene has returned to her previous role.

During the first two months of Johnson's tenure, Greene forced votes on divisive issues that split the Republican conference. She also openly criticized GOP colleagues who opposed her efforts and questioned the Speaker's approach to important matters such as government funding, Ukraine aid, and defense policy.

Although her role as a rabble-rouser is nothing new, Greene's return to this position has further complicated Johnson's task of unifying the GOP conference amidst a series of legislative challenges. Greene maintains that, despite her transformation during the McCarthy era, she remains true to her nature as an antagonist.

Greene intensified her criticism of Johnson's strategy, particularly regarding the pairing of Ukraine aid with border security. While some Republicans opposed support for Kyiv, Johnson argued that assistance should be tied to substantive border security policies to bridge the gap between Ukraine allies and conservative skeptics. However, Greene deemed this approach a "bad strategy."

Furthermore, Greene disagreed with Johnson's decision to introduce a "clean" two-step continuing resolution (CR) to avoid a government shutdown, likening it to McCarthy's actions that ultimately cost him the Speakership. She expressed her surprise and questioned the Speaker's motives as he also discussed funding for Ukraine, despite having voted against it in the past.

Despite her criticism, it is worth noting that Greene supported Johnson's candidacy for Speaker, even though he had outlined his plan to use a short-term stopgap bill if necessary to prevent a shutdown. Greene also expressed disappointment with the final version of the annual defense bill, which she claims was completed without input from conferees, including herself.

These critiques come from a lawmaker who has quickly gained national attention and has become a fundraising force, as well as a close ally of former President Trump. Greene's influence cannot be ignored by the party's leadership.

Reports indicate that Greene and Johnson have engaged in several conversations, and a spokesperson for the Louisiana Republican assured that he takes into consideration the concerns of all members in the conference.

Greene has also utilized procedural tools to influence the House's agenda, forcing Johnson to make difficult decisions and revealing divisions within the GOP conference. Just 24 hours after Johnson's election, Greene pushed for a vote to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) for her criticisms of Israel following attacks by Hamas. This move led to discord within the GOP, with 23 Republicans joining Democrats in voting to table the resolution.

Among those Republicans, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) engaged in a public exchange with Greene after labeling her censure resolution as "feckless" and "deeply flawed."

As Greene continues to assert her influence and challenge the leadership's position, it remains to be seen how this dynamic will unfold within the House GOP conference.