The Republican Party has been in a constant state of chaos for an extended period, making it difficult to anticipate any new developments. However, week after week, they continue to surprise us. The 2020 election and the subsequent insurrection marked the peak of Trumpish anarchy. Nevertheless, House Republicans have been relentless in their efforts to mirror their Dear Leader’s actions ever since they regained the majority in 2022. While it is risky to make definitive statements about them reaching their breaking point, as they always manage to surpass expectations, this week’s events are truly extraordinary. The significance of the situation combined with their deplorable actions make it a memorable chapter in their history.
As I noted a few days ago, House Speaker Mike Johnson was split between his fellow right-wing zealots, led by Marjorie Taylor Greene, who have hijacked Donald Trump’s enmity for Ukraine, and the rest of his caucus, which is more hesitant to see the globe explode. The events in the Middle East this weekend served as a sobering reminder that the United States’ involvement in global security is not the greatest subject to use as leverage for local electoral gains. It can turn serious very soon.
Johnson had stated that he intended to bring four separate votes to the floor: aid packages for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as a bill requiring Russian assets to be confiscated for Ukraine and a ban on TikTok unless it is sold to another organization, among other things. This sparked massive outrage among MAGA supporters, who were upset that they did not get their way. (They expressed their desire for funding for a significant border crackdown, but it’s widely known that Trump commanded no action, leveraging it as a political campaign issue.) Greene had been threatening to depose Johnson for weeks, and it was uncertain whether Johnson’s deals would ever reach the floor.
So that’s where we were on Wednesday morning, and things didn’t look promising. Suddenly, Mike Johnson experienced a moment of clarity and stood before the microphones that afternoon, declaring that he didn’t care if his fellow Republicans forced him out of the speaker’s office; he was committed to doing the right thing. Johnson delivered an impassioned statement about how he trusts the intelligence he has seen, warning of the dangers of letting Ukraine fall.
So, I think that Vladimir Putin would continue to march through Europe if he were allowed. I think he might go to the Balkans next. I think he might have a showdown with Poland or one of our NATO allies. To put it bluntly, I would rather send bullets to Ukraine than American boys… this is not a game, this is not a joke.
We are seeking your assistance in maintaining our independence.
There were reports throughout the day on Thursday about intense infighting in the caucus. The rumors suggested that Johnson and members of the leadership might support a rules change. This change would mandate that more than one member, like Greene, would have to call for a motion to vacate the chair. It was seen as a deal with the devil, similar to what Kevin McCarthy had done before, which ultimately led to his downfall. It is evident that some members are growing weary of these antics.
The extremists became furious about this, confronting Johnson on the floor. Eventually, he refuted the rumor and made it clear that the rule would not be changed.
Johnson appears to have willingly surrendered himself to the whims of fate. And in this case, fate takes the form of Marjorie Taylor Greene.
With Democrats remaining calm and united, there is little chance that Greene’s attempt to oust Johnson will be successful. Despite her enjoyment of the attention she receives by using this threat, it is unlikely that she will follow through. However, there are other members who may be just as outraged and could potentially take action.
On Thursday night, the Democrats on the rules committee made a significant departure from the norm and intervened to ensure the bills’ progress, ultimately voting to advance them to the floor. It is anticipated that Democrats will continue to support the bills, leading to their successful passage with bipartisan backing in both houses of Congress. However, there is always the possibility of unforeseen obstacles arising, as the Republicans have been known to throw a wrench into the works.
The leader of their party, Trump, who is currently facing trial in New York, is unable to watch TV or send out tweets with instructions. Trump has previously tried to intimidate jurors, with the assistance of Fox News, by insinuating that there may be liberal individuals in the jury pool who are lying to target him. As a result, one juror has already requested to be excused, and it is likely that others will do the same once they realize that Fox News is determined to identify those whom Trump suspects.
He is also extremely frustrated about having to endure the freezing temperatures of the courtroom all day long. (It’s quite common for older individuals to feel the cold more intensely…)
In Washington and around the world, it seems that Trump is not actively involved or informed. When it comes to foreign policy, he lacks the knowledge to offer substantial insights, often resorting to generic statements like “it wouldn’t have happened” if he were president and criticizing others for not contributing enough. This was evident in his brief commentary on Johnson’s plan during a recent Truth Social rant. Clearly, his primary focus remains on himself and his own interests.
It is possible that the reason for Johnson’s ability to finally accomplish this task is due to Trump being incapacitated and unable to interfere in matters that are beyond his comprehension. The fact that he is currently on trial could potentially be the most positive development our political landscape has seen in quite some time. While he is occupied with legal proceedings, he holds no relevance in matters of significance.
