Representative Paul Gosar of Arizona has announced his support for a resolution to remove Speaker of the House Mike Johnson from his position. This move comes after the House passed a foreign aid package without including border security measures, which Gosar strongly opposes. He joins Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Thomas Massie of Kentucky in backing the resolution.
Gosar, a conservative House Freedom Caucus member, has criticized Johnson for prioritizing foreign aid over border security. He believes the Speaker should put America’s interests first and not cave to the demands of “warmongers, neocons, and the military-industrial complex.”
Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar (Credits: AZCentral)
Despite this, it’s unclear if Johnson’s position is truly threatened. Greene introduced the resolution last month but hasn’t brought it to the floor for a vote. She has also declined to specify what would prompt her to do so.
Conservatives have long been critical of Johnson’s leadership, accusing him of being too willing to compromise with Democrats on primary legislation. They point to his handling of issues like government funding and surveillance powers as examples.
Rep. Paul Gosar (Credits: NBC News)
The Ukraine debate has further highlighted these divisions. Johnson supports a package of bills providing aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as humanitarian assistance for Gaza and other war zones. However, some Republicans oppose this aid due to concerns about deficit spending and the potential for the US to become embroiled in another costly and unwinnable war.
Gosar has a history of controversy, having been censured and removed from his committee seats in 2021 after posting a violent anime video depicting the execution of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
