Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) said that she requested that House Speaker Mike Johnson defund the investigations of special counsel Jack Smith prior to the vote on her motion to vacate the speaker’s chair. Despite the motion’s failure, it showed Greene’s significant influence from within the Republican Party.
Greene said during a Sunday interview that she met with the speaker twice before the vote on whether or not to vacate his chair. She said that if Johnson defunded Smith’s investigations into former President Donald Trump she would “reconsider this motion.”
“This is something the American people are sick and tired of. They’re fed up with Republicans that will not defend President Trump,” she told Fox News.
Ultimately, Greene’s motion to vacate did not pass by a wide margin.
Johnson has spoken on the issue in recent weeks. He said both that he was open to potential reform regarding the investigation and that he would not simply end Smith’s role.
“That’s not something you wave a wand and just eliminate the special counsel as a provision,” he said.
“It is impossible to deny the judicial system in our country has been weaponized against President Trump. I am working with Chairmen Jordan and Comer on measures to rein in the abuses of Special Counsel Jack Smith and hold him accountable,” he added, citing Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and James Comer (R-KY).
Greene’s effort received rare light criticism from the former president last week.
I absolutely love Marjorie Taylor Greene. She’s got Spirit, she’s got Fight, and I believe she’ll be around, and on our side, for a long time to come. However, right now, Republicans have to be fighting the Radical Left Democrats, and all the Damage they have done to our… pic.twitter.com/r4F5wK5Xe3
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 9, 2024
He said that he had “absolute love” for Greene and that she had “Spirit” and “Fight.” However, he said that “Republicans have to be fighting the Radical Left Democrats, and all the Damage they have done to our Country.”
Greene has been at odds with Johnson for much of his speakership. She opposed a large domestic spending bill passed earlier this year intended to prevent a government shutdown.
The Georgia Republican also sharply criticized Johnson for his crucial support in passing three national security bills granting aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan.
