Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) announced her retirement from Congress in a provocative manifesto that highlights growing tension in the Republican caucus — and party leaders are being warned it's inspiring others.
Greene's critique comes at a critical moment for Republicans, who have a precarious majority with 219 seats compared to 213 for the Democrats. Upcoming special elections in Tennessee, Texas and New Jersey could further destabilize their position, reported Punchbowl News.
"The crux of MTG’s message is that Trump and House Republicans are abandoning all of the president’s priorities, falling into complacency and are on the brink of squandering their razor-thin majority," the outlet reported in its email newsletter.
"Let’s dispense with the caveats," the newsletter added. "MTG has never been representative of the House Republican Conference writ large. She clearly has a bone to pick with Trump and the leadership. MTG may have her eye on the governorship — that chatter picked up again over the weekend. She was also never a fan of Speaker Mike Johnson."
However, as Punchbowl reported, Greene's viewpoint appears to be widely shared.
“This entire White House team has treated ALL members like garbage. ALL," said one senior House Republican. "And Mike Johnson has let it happen because he wanted it to happen. That is the sentiment of nearly all — appropriators, authorizers, hawks, doves, rank and file. The arrogance of this White House team is off putting to members who are run roughshod and threatened. They don’t even allow little wins like announcing small grants or even responding from agencies. Not even the high profile, the regular rank and file random members are more upset than ever. Members know they are going into the minority after the midterms."
“More explosive early resignations are coming," that senior House Republican added. "It’s a tinder box. Morale has never been lower. Mike Johnson will be stripped of his gavel and they will lose the majority before this term is out.”
There's a special election next week, on Dec. 2, to fill former Rep. Mark Greene's (R-TN) seat, and both parties have poured massive amounts of money into that race, and Democrats are expected to gain a seat in Houston at the end of January to replace the late Rep. Sylvester Turner's (D-TX), and New Jersey voters will choose Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill’s replacement on April 16 in a district that Kamala Harris won by nine points in 2024.
"Let’s say Democrats are able to steal the Tennessee seat based on subpar GOP turnout — unlikely but possible — Johnson would have 218 members to Democrats’ 214. Texas and New Jersey would bring Democrats to 216," Punchbowl reported. "If any members retire or fall ill, Johnson would be sunk."
"House retirements and resignations are common after holidays," the newsletter added. "How appealingis it to return to the Capitol when the House spends most of its time voting on censure resolutions or meaningless messaging bills?"