Washington was already heading into a tense holiday recess when fresh reports surfaced suggesting internal Republican divisions may soon explode into open conflict. According to accounts attributed to party insiders, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is privately discussing the possibility of supporting — or even helping organize — a motion to vacate the chair that could remove Speaker Mike Johnson from his leadership post, setting the stage for yet another House Republican showdown.

The reports, first circulated by cable news commentators and later amplified across political media, claim that Greene has been sounding out fellow Republicans to determine whether enough support exists to trigger a vote to depose Johnson. Under current House rules, only a small number of members are required to initiate such a motion — a procedural change originally agreed to by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy as part of his own bid for leadership.

That rule change famously backfired.

In October 2023, McCarthy became the first Speaker in U.S. history to be removed through a motion to vacate, after internal party rebellions reached a breaking point. Now, according to anonymous sources cited in recent coverage, some Republicans fear history could repeat itself — this time with Johnson in the crosshairs.

Greene’s Alleged Strategy

Sources quoted in political reporting allege that Greene has been approaching colleagues in what one insider described as an effort to “get to nine” — the number believed necessary to force a serious leadership crisis. While no formal motion has been filed and Greene has not publicly confirmed the claims, the reports alone have been enough to rattle GOP leadership.

One source reportedly said Greene has framed her push as a warning: if House Republicans fail to aggressively codify former President Donald Trump’s agenda, leadership instability is inevitable. Whether this represents a coordinated strategy or exploratory conversations remains unclear.

Greene herself has not issued an official statement confirming or denying the allegations.

A Speaker Under Pressure

Mike Johnson, who ascended to the Speakership after weeks of Republican infighting, has attempted to position himself as a consensus-builder within a deeply fractured conference. However, that balancing act has proven increasingly difficult as hardline members grow impatient with compromise, procedural delays, and governing realities.

According to anonymous GOP aides cited in the reporting, Greene is not alone in her frustration. Several Republicans are said to be privately discussing the possibility of a motion to vacate, reflecting broader dissatisfaction within the caucus rather than a single-person vendetta.

“Multiple members are angry,” one unnamed source reportedly said. “And that conversation is happening whether leadership likes it or not.”

The McCarthy Irony

The situation is steeped in irony. The very rule Greene and other hardliners now appear ready to exploit was one McCarthy agreed to under pressure from his right flank. That concession ultimately cost him the Speakership — and now threatens to destabilize his successor.

Political observers note that the rule has fundamentally altered the power dynamics of the House, giving a small group of members disproportionate leverage over leadership. As a result, Speakers must govern not only against the opposition party, but also under constant threat from within.

“This is the price of internal appeasement,” one congressional analyst noted. “Once you weaponize procedure, you can’t control who uses it next.”

Personal Grievances and Party Fault Lines

Reports suggest Greene’s animosity toward House leadership predates Johnson and stems from long-standing grievances dating back to McCarthy’s tenure. She has accused former leadership of sidelining GOP women and marginalizing hardline conservatives — claims that have fueled her confrontational posture within the conference.

Critics, however, argue that Greene’s rhetoric stands in stark contrast to her policy positions, particularly her alignment with the evangelical wing of the party that has supported restrictions on reproductive rights. Supporters counter that her willingness to challenge leadership reflects grassroots frustration with Washington insiders.

Regardless of motivation, the reports underscore a deeper problem for House Republicans: unity remains elusive.

What Happens Next?

At present, there is no confirmed motion to vacate, no formal signatures, and no public declaration from Greene. Still, the mere suggestion of another leadership challenge has heightened anxiety within GOP ranks and raised questions about whether Johnson can maintain stability into the new year.

For Democrats, the turmoil represents an opportunity — or at least a familiar spectacle. For Republicans, it is a reminder that unresolved internal battles continue to undermine their governing agenda.

As Congress heads into the holiday break, the future of the Speakership remains uncertain. Whether Greene’s reported efforts materialize into action or fade as political theater remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the shadow of the motion to vacate still looms large over the House — and no Speaker can afford to ignore it.