Johnson, Greene hold 'productive meeting' as Speaker vote nears

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) gathered privately for a “productive” meeting last week, a source familiar with the situation and the congresswoman told The Hill, the latest sign of easing tensions between the two.

The huddle — which took place Wednesday night of last week and ran for more than 30 minutes, according to the source — was described as “productive” by Greene. She declined to disclose specifics on what they discussed.

It came hours after House GOP lawmakers unanimously nominated Johnson to remain in the top job next year, a significant feat for the Louisiana Republican after facing some resistance within the conference. And it took place as the Jan. 3 Speaker vote on the House floor inches closer, when Johnson will again need near-unanimous support from the conference to win the gavel.

Johnson’s unanimous support last week included backing from Greene, who had emerged as one of the Speaker’s sharpest critics throughout his tenure in the top job — going as far as to lead a motion to vacate against the Louisiana Republican in May, which failed.

Greene, however, has appeared to change her tune this month, as President-elect Trump prepares to control the White House next year and Republicans prepare for full control of Washington.

That new posture was evident last week when Greene — on the eve of Johnson’s unanimous Speaker nomination — did not rule out supporting Johnson’s bid to keep the gavel.

“Well, I think he’s the only one running for Speaker, so I don’t understand everybody asking this question,” she said. “The American people overwhelmingly voted for President Trump’s agenda, not anyone else’s agenda, President Trump’s agenda, MAGA agenda, America First agenda. And I think that’s a mandate from the American people. So, I think whoever’s in charge here in the House, their job is to pass President Trump’s agenda.”

Pressed by The Hill on those comments — recognizing that it sounds like she was not ruling out opposing Johnson on the floor despite her past criticism — Greene once again left the door open.

“What I’ve been critical of is passing the Biden-Harris agenda in the House that’s funding, fully funding, an agenda that [Senate Majority Leader] Chuck Schumer [D-N.Y.] loved so much he passed it right through the Senate, reauthorizing FISA and warrantless spying on Americans and giving $60 billion to Ukraine,” Greene said. “But I really don’t think that’ll happen under President Trump. I’m sure he will never allow that, and neither will the American people.”

The openness to supporting Johnson — and her description of a “productive meeting” last week — mark a sharp change in the pair’s relationship, which has been marked by bitter tension.

Greene’s opposition to Johnson reached a fever pitch in May, when the Georgia Republican brought a motion to vacate against the Speaker, which failed amid opposition from lawmakers in both parties. Only 11 Republicans voted against tabling the measure. Greene had been critical of Johnson for helping move a roughly $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, and supporting the reauthorization of warrantless spying powers.