House Speaker Mike Johnson narrowly escaped an ouster attempt orchestrated by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and a faction of hardline Republicans, securing his position with significant support from Democratic lawmakers. The motion to remove Johnson, a response to his bipartisan efforts and leadership style, was decisively blocked in a vote that underscored the complex dynamics at play in the current U.S. Congress.
Greene, representing the far-right contingent of the party, had been vocal about her dissatisfaction with Johnson, particularly after his role in passing a $95 billion aid package that included support for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The aid package, which Greene opposed, became a focal point for her campaign against Johnson, whom she labeled as "pathetic, weak, and unacceptable" for his collaborative approach with Democrats.
The resolution to oust Johnson was introduced by Greene but was quickly countered by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who moved to table the motion. The subsequent vote saw an overwhelming majority siding with Johnson, with a final tally of 359-43, reflecting broad bipartisan support for the Speaker.
Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, played a pivotal role in the vote, choosing to back Johnson whom they view as a more reliable and honest broker than his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy was unanimously ousted by Democrats last fall, making Johnson's ability to retain his post all the more significant. Jeffries highlighted the Democratic commitment to stability and problem-solving as key reasons for their support.
On the Republican side, the vote revealed deep divisions within the party, with only 11 Republicans supporting Greene's motion. Many in the GOP feared that removing Johnson could jeopardize their majority and undermine their strategic positions ahead of the upcoming elections.
Following the vote, Johnson expressed gratitude for the "show of confidence" from his colleagues and hoped it marked an end to the character attacks that had marred the session. "As I've said from the beginning, I intend to do my job," Johnson stated, emphasizing his commitment to leadership despite the challenges.
The attempt to remove Johnson was notable not only for its rarity but also for its defiance of presumptive presidential candidate Donald Trump, who publicly stated that it was "not the time" for such divisive actions within the party. This sentiment was echoed by other Republicans who criticized Greene's approach as detrimental to party unity and stability in Congress.
