In a move laying bare the deep divisions within the Republican Party, Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) held a press conference on Wednesday morning to address the unprecedented and shocking Democratic support for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). This comes shortly after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) publicly stated that Democrats would support Johnson against a Republican-led ouster attempt, prompting Greene to label Johnson as the “Democrat Speaker of the House.”

Greene, along with Massie and Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), spearheads the effort to remove Johnson from his position, primarily over his approval of a substantial $95 billion foreign aid package that includes funds for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. This group’s strategy reflects a growing fracture within the party.

On Wednesday morning, Greene and Massie said that the time to act is now—well in advance of the November elections—while there is still time to salvage party unity. They both argued that there is “no possible way” Johnson would be elected Speaker when the new Congress is seated in January, regardless of which party holds the majority.

Happening now: @RepMTG and I are hosting a press conference at the Capitol to discuss our plans for the Motion to Vacate and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ written endorsement of Mike Johnson to remain as Speaker. https://t.co/ejqu3485PH

— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) May 1, 2024

Other House conservatives are voicing concerns over the Democrats’ show of support for Johnson. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) suggested to Fox News Digital that the Democrats’ support might be a psychological operation to ultimately push Johnson out, a sentiment echoed by others who see this as a maneuver to provoke Greene into forcing a vote.

Critics argue that Democratic leaders, by pledging to block any motions to oust Johnson, effectively ensured his position as Speaker, thus allowing him to continue pushing bipartisan measures contradicting the more conservative, America First base of the GOP. In a statement alongside other Democratic leaders, Jeffries praised the bipartisan collaboration while simultaneously condemning what he termed “MAGA extremism.”

Why does Hakeem Jeffries want Mike Johnson as Speaker?

DEMS WANT:

*nothing done on the border
*no conservative policy victories
*more money for Ukraine
*a Dem majority in November
*expanded DOJ, FBI
*no budget cuts

Hakeem knows Mike can deliver all of these things as Speaker. pic.twitter.com/NGpd1YfghR

— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) April 30, 2024

During a regular weekly press conference, Johnson appeared surprised by the Democratic statement of support, emphasizing his commitment to doing “the right thing” for the country and striving for a functional Congress despite potential political backlashes.

In response, Greene took to X, formerly Twitter, to criticize Johnson’s leadership, insinuating that his cooperation with the Democrats betrayed Republican values. She stated, “Every day, I fight the Democrat agenda destroying America and I fight for an America First Republican agenda.”

The situation underscores the precarious balance Johnson must maintain. With a narrow majority, he risks alienation from his party’s conservative base and the potential necessity of relying on Democratic votes to maintain his position.

The Democrats’ strategy to support Johnson can be seen as a strategic effort to deepen Republican divisions. By aligning with Johnson, they potentially weaken the GOP’s unity and influence over the legislative agenda, thus securing more leverage in future negotiations. If Republicans hope to hold a majority in either the House or Senate come January, the party must quickly align its messaging with voter sentiments.