Trump Lambasts Resigning GOP Representatives as ‘Cowards and Weaklings’ Amid Majority Loss
Debarylife – The Republican majority in the House is already extremely narrow, so former President Trump aimed the wave of GOP members quitting this year.
“Never forget our weaklings and cowards! What a disgrace,” Trump said on Truth Social on Sunday in response to an article concerning Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), who is leaving office.
Trump targeted former Representative Ken Buck (R-Colorado) and Gallagher with his Easter comments since they both decided to leave Congress early and vacated their seats. Although Buck resigned last week to be replaced in June, Gallagher will step down from Congress in mid-April, keeping his position vacant until January of next year.
After Gallagher resigns, the openings, together with other House vacancies, reduce the GOP majority to just one seat, making the already challenging process of clearing party-line votes much more onerous. There have even been rumors that Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) may become Speaker as a result of the circumstances, with some Republicans rebelling against Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
Trump’s insults to Gallagher are echoed by the Republican establishment since the congressman seemed to time his departure to comply exactly with Wisconsin law, avoiding a special election. That ensures that, rather than being filled in a few months, his seat will remain vacant until January.
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Even though it would be ineffective and lack support, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) asked the House to remove Gallagher as a punishment.
The one-seat margin will last for around three weeks when the next vacancy, that of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), is scheduled to be filled at the end of April.
Gallagher attributed his resignation to the GOP’s disarray.
In an interview in February, Gallagher stated, “Since I ran, I always said that Congress shouldn’t be a career,” following his announcement that he would not seek reelection but before making public his early resignation.
“I believe that the reason this institution is so dysfunctional is because there are so many lifers and careerists in it. The framers of this country and the Constitution intended for you to serve for a season before returning to your private life,” he said.