Members of the House Freedom Caucus discussed potentially ousting Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) from the conservative group during a closed-door meeting on Friday morning, three sources familiar with the conversation confirmed to Axios.
Why it matters: The discussion comes in the wake of Greene taking aim at Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Co.) on the House floor, where Greene called the Colorado Republican a “nasty little b***h” after Boebert introduced competing impeachment resolutions.
- Two sources said they felt Greene’s behavior was “unprofessional,” with one critic arguing that members are becoming increasingly frustrated with the Georgia conservative for a variety of reasons.
- “No decisions were made,” one GOP lawmaker said, adding that the group had a “wide-ranging” discussion on a variety of topics.
- Three GOP lawmakers cast doubt that an ouster would actually take place, noting some long-standing members have reservations about the move and a removal would require an 80% majority.
The intrigue: Conservative critics beyond Boebert have taken issue with Greene shifting from being one of leadership’s leading critics to a vocal ally of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
- Two HFC members recently floating to Chairman Scott Perry (R-Penn.) the idea of removing Greene and other members that don’t fully align with where the group stands, Politico first reported.
- Boebert and Greene have a history of feuding, with the two getting into a heated altercation in the women’s bathroom at the Capitol where Boebert told Greene “don’t be ugly” during the midst of the speaker battle.
The big picture: While the HFC has fractured on certain issues, it still has played a sizable role in strong-arming leadership into moving legislation to the right and prioritizing their goals by using procedural tactics.
- The group is expected to continue to have a strong influence on the House GOP’s agenda as it navigates a narrow majority for the remainder of the Congress.
