Former President Donald Trump recently voiced his disappointment on social media about certain GOP House members choosing to retire, which he views as a threat to the fragile Republican majority.
Trump posted his criticism on his Truth Social account, targeting Rep. Mike Gallagher from Wisconsin and the former Rep. Ken Buck from Colorado.
Both politicians have opted for early retirement from Congress, a move reported by The Hill as controversial. Trump didn’t hold back, labeling them as “cowards and weaklings” and calling their decisions a “disgrace.”
These departures and others have tightened the Republican grip on the House to a precarious single-seat majority following Gallagher’s resignation. This narrow margin complicates passing measures strictly along party lines.
Presidential Candidate Donald Trump (Credits: Yahoo News Malaysia)
Speculations have emerged about Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York possibly becoming Speaker, amidst some Republicans challenging the current Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana.
Trump’s rebuke of Gallagher resonates with many in the Republican Party. Gallagher’s early exit, complying with Wisconsin’s laws to prevent a special election, leaves his seat empty until January.
This move sparked controversy within the party, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia suggesting Gallagher be expelled from the House, a proposal that found little traction.
Another anticipated vacancy by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy from California by the end of April will leave the party with a slim one-seat majority for three weeks. Gallagher cited the GOP’s internal conflicts as his reason for leaving, suggesting Congress should not be a lifelong occupation.
Trump attacks resigning GOP Reps (Credits: Straight Arrow News)
These resignations highlight the ongoing discord within the GOP. Following her attempt to remove Johnson from his position, Greene has defensively stated that she wouldn’t be to blame if Jeffries were elected Speaker of the House.
On the other hand, Buck has expressed relief at departing Congress, which he describes as a place hampered by dysfunction and a lack of priority setting. Before leaving, he notably supported a Democratic initiative on foreign aid, a move that diverges from typical Republican positions.
These events underscore the challenges facing the Republican Party, highlighting the internal divisions and their potential impact on its ability to govern effectively. As the party crosses through these turbulent times, its members’ decisions and repercussions draw particular attention, revealing political unity and strategy complexities.
