RNC chair calls for party unity as Greene’s motion to vacate looms

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Michael Whatley called for party unity as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) continues to threaten to force an ouster vote against Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).

“We need to flip the Senate, and we need to expand our majority in the House. We’re not going to do that if we’re not unified,” Whatley told NBC News in an interview.

“We need to make sure that all of the Republicans understand the gravity of this election cycle, and they do, and we need to make sure that we are on the same page as we’re moving forward,” he added in the interview.

Greene said she would force a vote this coming week on her looming motion to vacate resolution against Johnson, sparking concerns among some in the party who worry such a move would throw the chamber into chaos and make Republicans appear incapable of governing just months before an election.

Greene introduced her motion to remove Johnson from power more than a month ago, but her latest move is a sharp escalation of that effort, compelling the House to consider the measure within two legislative days after she activates her motion this coming week.

Greene has sharply criticized Johnson for cutting a number of deals with Democrats on critical legislation, including funding the government, approving billions of dollars in aid for Ukraine and reauthorizing the U.S.’s warrantless surveillance powers. She accused Johnson of “betraying” his conservative roots — and GOP voters more broadly — and warned that keeping him in power would discourage Republicans from going to the polls in November and ensure that Democrats will control the House next year.

Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), chair of the House Freedom Caucus, railed against Greene in an interview Sunday, saying, “She’s not acting in the best interests of President Trump. I don’t think this is a good move six months before an election. She’s always been about herself primarily.”