GOP's Chances Threatened as Speaker Mike Johnson Faces Backlash
ICARO Media Group
In a turn of events, the political alliance between former President Donald Trump and Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, appears to have come to an abrupt end. This development spells trouble for Johnson as he faces a challenging week in his role as speaker, with potential consequences not only in the House but also in the Senate.
The tension arises from the long-stalled foreign appropriations bill, which Johnson aims to finally pass. However, Trump's support for Johnson's plan seems uncertain, as he vaguely replied, "We'll see what happens with that" when asked about it. It appears that Trump's focus may be elsewhere, as his ongoing criminal trial in New York continues to demand his attention.
Unfortunately, Trump's questionable admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his prioritization of personal gain over national security has garnered backlash from the House MAGA (Make America Great Again) caucus. Their refusal to allow the Senate-passed bipartisan appropriations agreement to come to a vote stems from Trump's anti-border deal stance and unfounded accusations against the Ukrainians.
Amidst this turmoil, Johnson is working on presenting four separate bills, including aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and a miscellaneous bill that includes the banning of TikTok. While the passage of the Taiwan bill seems smooth, there is uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the fourth vote. Johnson had likely assumed he had Trump's support for this plan, but it appears Trump may not have been fully engaged during the joint press conference at Mar-a-Lago.
Complicating matters further is the motion to vacate the chair proposed by prominent ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who plans to trigger the motion if Johnson takes steps to aid Ukraine. This motion was also endorsed by Congressman Thomas Massie, who demanded Johnson's resignation. Johnson, however, has firmly denied any intentions of stepping down, emphasizing the absurdity of a motion being brought forth when he and his colleagues are diligently working.
With a slim two-vote margin, Johnson's survival as speaker relies on the support of Democrats. However, the departure of Congressman Mike Gallagher and the subsequent shrinkage of that margin to just one vote adds to the instability. Greene's motivations behind the motion to vacate remain uncertain, leaving speculation as to whether it is a genuine threat or a strategic move to gain media attention.
As the situation unfolds, attention turns to how both House Democrats and the Senate will navigate this ordeal. Two Democratic congressmen, Tom Suozzi and Jared Moskowitz, have expressed their willingness to vote in favor of keeping Johnson as speaker if necessary. The immediate concern lies in how the Democrats will approach the rule vote and what concessions they may seek in return for their support.
In the Senate, the possibility of difficulty arises as the House formally delivers the articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. This adds another layer of uncertainty to the process, potentially complicating the passage of the bills Johnson is attempting to put together. The separation of the appropriations agreement into four different bills may require the Senate to vote again, possibly leading to filibustering and further delays.
Overall, the current state of affairs presents a significant challenge, with the rift between Trump and Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene's actions, and the unpredictable dynamics within the GOP caucus. The consequences extend beyond party politics, as national security hangs in the balance. Finding a resolution amidst this chaos will require careful navigation and cooperation from all sides involved.