Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) filed a motion to vacate against House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on Friday. The action comes shortly after the House passed a contentious $1.2 trillion spending bill, which Greene and other America First conservatives criticized for favoring Democratic priorities over fiscal sanity.

Greene’s dissatisfaction with Johnson’s leadership was palpable as she voiced her concerns on the House floor and to the media. She claims the bill is a “complete departure” from Republican values, particularly critiquing its lack of alignment with pro-life principles and its failure to address critical issues like border security.

The spending bill, criticized for increasing federal spending amid a financial crisis, passed with significant bipartisan support but was met with backlash from conservatives who felt betrayed by including Democratic earmarks and a perceived lack of focus on Republican priorities. Johnson, who has been Speaker for approximately five months, is accused of not standing firm on critical issues such as border security and the national debt.

BREAKING: Marjorie Taylor Greene files motion to oust House Speaker Johnson https://t.co/z19iruCnPU

— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 22, 2024

Greene’s motion, which she describes as a “warning shot” rather than an immediate call to action, underscores a growing divide within the GOP and raises questions about Johnson’s future as Speaker. Despite the turmoil, Johnson’s office remains committed to advancing conservative legislation and addressing members’ concerns.

Speaker Johnson violated our rules and forced us to vote for a bill funding open borders, abortion, and trans ideology for our kids.

Republican voters deserve a leader who will stand up, not roll over to Chuck Schumer. It's time to select a new Speaker of the House. pic.twitter.com/0tvb4X5xU2

— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) March 22, 2024

This internal conflict reveals deeper issues within the Republican Party, as members battle over compromise that cuts against adherence to conservative principles. Voters and party leadership are understandably nervous about the public perception and further weakening of the slim House GOP majority that could come with another fight over a replacement Speaker. 

Johnson took the leadership seat only after weeks of controversy when former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted by a motion championed by the House Freedom Caucus and filed by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL).

The motion filed by Greene points to the ongoing deep divide within the party between those who prioritize strict adherence to conservative principles and those who adopt a more pragmatic, “bipartisan” approach to borrowing and spending as the nation goes deeper into unmanageable debt. If not addressed meaningfully, the division threatens to undermine the party’s effectiveness and cohesion as the 2024 general election approaches.