Speaker Mike Johnson is facing mounting criticism and internal strife within the House Republican caucus. Rep. Elise Stefanik, a senior member, has publicly criticized Johnson’s leadership, comparing him unfavorably to his predecessor and suggesting a lack of support among Republicans. This criticism stems from policy disagreements, with Stefanik successfully reinserting a MAGA-coded provision into the defense authorization bill, and from a growing sense of frustration among members, some of whom are leaving Congress. Johnson is further challenged by a narrow majority, rising discharge petitions, and the impending vote on a defense bill that has yet to gain widespread support.
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Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a staunch supporter, has become a prominent critic of Donald Trump, accusing fellow Republicans of insincerely feigning loyalty. Speaking on CBS’s 60 Minutes, she claimed colleagues mocked Trump privately while publicly supporting him, particularly when his re-election prospects improved. Greene also stated that politicians were intimidated by Trump and feared his public condemnation. In response, Trump attacked Greene on Truth Social, calling her a traitor and criticizing her intelligence, while also denouncing the interview itself.
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According to Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, many Republican colleagues privately ridicule Donald Trump but are too afraid to publicly criticize him. Greene stated that these colleagues would mock Trump until he secured the Republican nomination. She believes fear of Trump’s repercussions, like a negative Truth Social post, is a key reason for their public silence. This follows Greene’s own falling out with Trump over issues such as the release of the Epstein files, leading to a public feud and Trump withdrawing his support for her.
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According to outgoing GOP House member Marjorie Taylor Greene, many Republican colleagues privately mocked Donald Trump before the 2024 primary but quickly shifted their support after he secured the nomination. Greene recounted how these same individuals, who once ridiculed Trump and her support for him, began outwardly embracing his “Make America Great Again” platform. She attributes this shift to fear of public criticism from Trump. Greene also detailed receiving threats, initially from the left, but later from the right after disagreeing with Trump’s handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
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In a recent speech at an LGBTQ+ event, Joe Biden criticized Republicans for exploiting transgender rights for political gain, stating they were attempting to distort the fight for equality. Biden, who signed the Respect for Marriage Act, asserted that Republicans were weaponizing people’s identities. The former president, accepting a lifetime achievement award, emphasized the importance of treating all Americans with dignity and respect. The speech also addressed young LGBTQ+ individuals, assuring them of acceptance and belonging, while acknowledging his own evolving views on same-sex marriage.
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According to a recent report, President Trump’s support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly waning behind closed doors, despite public displays of support. Sources indicate that Trump is growing weary of the controversies surrounding Hegseth, including the Pentagon’s authorization of strikes on alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean, which has drawn both criticism and praise. Furthermore, the report details increasing scrutiny of Hegseth’s actions, such as his use of Signal to discuss a strike on Houthi rebels, and growing Republican pushback on Capitol Hill. While some Republicans continue to support Hegseth, other lawmakers are calling for further investigation, highlighting potential cracks in the former unwavering GOP fealty to Trump.
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Recent polling indicates waning support among even staunch Trump supporters for a third presidential term in 2028, despite the idea gaining traction among some Republicans and Trump’s former advisors. While the 22nd Amendment legally prevents this, this shift suggests a loosening grip on the Republican party. Trump himself has seemingly lost enthusiasm for the idea. Furthermore, negative approval ratings and economic concerns are contributing to this shift, potentially impacting the 2026 midterm elections.
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In a recent interview, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that former President Donald Trump was “furious” with her for supporting the release of the Epstein files. Trump reportedly shifted his position on releasing the files after entering office, despite initially supporting their release. Greene’s stance and subsequent split with Trump highlight divisions within the Republican party regarding transparency and accountability, particularly concerning high-profile criminal investigations. The Department of Justice is now mandated to release the remaining Epstein-related documents, which could lead to further scrutiny and a special election for Greene’s congressional seat in early 2026.
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House Speaker Johnson delayed swearing in Representative Grijalva, reportedly due to the latter’s potential deciding vote on a petition related to the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. This delay coincided with the government shutdown at the beginning of October. With Congress and President Trump having since approved the files’ release, Johnson has now sworn in Representative Van Epps, whose vote is crucial for the narrow Republican majority. Van Epps, endorsed by Trump, won his election by a smaller margin than anticipated, causing concern among national Republicans.
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Following reports of a deadly strike in the Caribbean against an alleged drug-running boat, bipartisan members of Congress are demanding answers and promising oversight into the operations. The controversy stems from reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed officials to kill survivors, leading to accusations of war crimes and calls for greater transparency. While some Republicans are defending the administration, others, including Senate leaders, are expressing concerns and calling for an investigation to determine whether ethical, moral, or legal codes were violated. Democrats are strongly condemning Hegseth’s actions, with some calling for his resignation or firing due to the severity of the alleged violations of the laws of war.
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John Q. Hosedrinker