Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene's quest to oust Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has gained a key ally - with Kentucky congressman Tom Massie reportedly agreeing cosponsor her motion to vacate in a closed door meeting.
Greene's bid to unseat Johnson has been considered a longshot by many pundits, but Massie's position on the Subcommittee on Rules and the Organization of the House could stregthen the Georgia congresswoman's efforts. Massie's decision to consponsor was repeatedly met by boos from other Republicans in the room, while members gave Johnson a round of applause.
"It's a clusterf--k," one representative told Axios.
"We are screwed," another member of Congress said.
Greene's furor at Johnson increased in March, when Johnson worked with Democrats to push through a budget in the House, where Republicans hold a razor-thin majority. The congresswoman has suggested that she might escalate her fight with the Speaker if Johnson uses similar procedural moves to send aid to Ukraine.
"Let me tell you, when he forces that vote, again, under suspension with no amendments, and funds Ukraine and people find out how angry their constituents are about it, that's going to move the needle even more," Greene told CNN earlier this month.
"I'm not saying I have a red line or a trigger, and I'm not saying I don't have a red line or trigger. And I think that's just where I'm at right now. But I'm going to tell you right now: Funding Ukraine is probably one of the most egregious things that he can do."
Notably, former President Donald Trump has appeared with Johnson on the campaign trail, with campaign insiders saying the Republican nominee is frustrated with Greene's efforts.
"It's fair to say we don't think she's being constructive," a second source told Politico. "The internal fighting is not appreciated by [Trump]."
