House GOP infighting erupts over MTG's hurricane comments
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Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene speaks at a Trump rally in Savannah, Ga. on Sept. 24, 2024. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images.
Even while they are scattered across the country campaigning for reelection in the final weeks before Nov. 5, House Republicans are still, somehow, at each others' throats.
Why it matters: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's (R-Ga.) repeated social media claims that humans can control the weather — in the midst of a series of deadly hurricanes — is too much for some of her colleagues to handle.
- "Yes they can control the weather. It's ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can't be done," Greene said in a post on X last week just after Hurricane Helene battered the Southeast.
- She continued to make similar comments as Hurricane Milton barreled its way through Florida.
What they're saying: Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), who represents a Hurricane-prone district in South Florida, replied to one of Greene's posts writing, "NEW FLASH —> Humans cannot create or control hurricanes."
- "Anyone who thinks they can, needs to have their head examined," he added – a biting direct rebuke of a fellow House Republican.
- Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), whose district was in the path of Helene, sent out a press release entitled "Debunking Helene Response Myths" that —` while not mentioning Greene by name — stated: "Nobody can control the weather."
What we're hearing: Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) told Axios in a statement that Greene's rhetoric "doesn't dignify a response — other than to say, of course no one can control the weather."
- Said Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.): "I think enough has already been said. I ignore her."
- "She thinks we have no impact on the climate but somehow control the weather," scoffed another House Republican.
- The lawmaker told Axios that Greene's beliefs on the subject are "loony tunes" and said disgust with her recent comments is widespread among House Republicans.
Zoom out: Greene has long had a unique ability to anger House colleagues on both sides of the aisle, particularly with her social media activities.
- In 2021, 10 House Republicans – including Gimenez – joined Democrats in voting to strip her of her committee assignments for past posts advocating violence against prominent Democrats.
- She was also kicked out of the House Freedom Caucus last year for criticizing some of her fellow right-wingers over their opposition to then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
- A spokesperson for Greene did not respond to a request for comment.
