Topline
A fiery back-and-forth between Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday offered a rare glimpse into the frustrations of top House Republicans towards the outspoken first-term congresswoman – even as they resist calls to take action against her.
UNITED STATES - MAY 20: House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., attends a news conference to ... [+]
Key Facts
McCarthy said in a statement Greene’s comments comparing mask mandates to the Holocaust are “appalling,” and that the House GOP “condemns this language.”
That was followed by denunciations from House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell – though only McCarthy mentioned her by name.
Greene offered little contrition in a follow-up statement saying those who impose mask mandates are “reminiscent of the great tyrants of history” and taking aim at Democrats.
Greene then tweeted praise for a Twitter user who defended her and blasted McCarthy as a “moron” and a “feckless c**t,” deleting it minutes later.
Crucial Quote
“It wasn’t just the Democrats who were upset with me, it was the Republicans also. As a matter of fact, I got chewed out quite a few times… by Republicans,” Greene told a crowd of supporters in Florida earlier this month, recounting GOP anger towards her rogue efforts to slow down the working of Congress by demanding roll call votes on every measure.
Surprising Fact
Hours after denouncing Greene, McCarthy announced a bill to combat anti-Semitism along with Rep. David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), one of two Jewish House Republicans. In a statement on the bill, McCarthy took aim at Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) for calling Israel an “apartheid state,” but made no mention of Greene.
What To Watch For
Greene, who had her committee assignments stripped in February for having promoted conspiracy theories and advocated political violence, is unlikely to be punished for her latest comments by either side. No GOP leader proposed penalizing Greene – with McConnell saying it’s a matter for the House – and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Greene should “stop talking” when asked about censure or expulsion.
