Former President Trump criticized the wave of GOP House members who have decided to vacate their seats this year, further complicating the already narrow Republican majority.
In a recent post on Truth Social, former President Trump expressed his disappointment by stating, “Never forget our cowards and weaklings! Such a disgrace.” This comment was made in response to an article discussing the actions of outgoing Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.).
Trump directed his Easter criticisms towards Gallagher and former Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), both of whom made the decision to retire from Congress before their terms were up, resulting in vacant seats. Gallagher will officially step down from Congress in mid-April, leaving his seat vacant until the next January, while Buck resigned last week and will be replaced in June.
The GOP majority in the House has been reduced to just one seat after the recent resignations, including Gallagher’s departure. This further complicates the already challenging process of passing party-line votes. The situation has sparked speculation that Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) may be appointed as Speaker, as some Republicans are expressing their dissatisfaction with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
Trump’s criticism of Gallagher reflects the widespread disapproval within the GOP. Many Republicans view the timing of his resignation as a strategic move to circumvent Wisconsin law and avoid a special election. This means that his seat will remain vacant until January, instead of being promptly filled within a few months.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has gone so far as to propose the expulsion of Gallagher from the House as a form of punishment. However, this action would have no tangible impact and has not garnered any support thus far.
Gallagher attributed his departure to the dysfunction within the GOP.
“I have always believed that Congress should not be a lifelong career,” Gallagher expressed in a February interview. This statement was made before he announced his decision not to seek reelection and his subsequent early resignation.
According to the speaker, the dysfunctionality of the institution can be attributed to the large number of lifers and careerists within it. He believes that the framers of the Constitution intended for individuals to serve for a period of time and then return to private life.
