Johnson Strategizes With Allies to Placate Right Flank and Save Speakership Amid Ukraine Aid Dispute
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Days after a far-right member put Speaker Mike Johnson's speakership on notice, he strategized with Rep. Matt Gaetz on how to placate his right flank over the next few weeks. Gaetz advised Johnson to take a hard line on Ukraine aid.
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How Johnson handles the next divisive issue - Ukraine aid - could determine if he keeps the speaker's gavel, as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene still has a motion to vacate looming over him.
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While some far-right members like Greene want Johnson out, key Freedom Caucus members don't seem to have the same appetite currently to oust Johnson.
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Still, many Republicans warned that Johnson's strategy on Ukraine aid when the House returns in April could sway their ultimate support for him as speaker.
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Meanwhile, Greene continues pressing her effort to oust Johnson both publicly on social media and privately talking to a small group of allies to gauge support. She believes she has enough backing but won't specify an exact number.