Infighting Erupts In House GOP Over MTG’s Hurricane Comments
United States Of America – Despite being spread across the country campaigning for reelection in the weeks leading up to November 5, House Republicans are still embroiled in internal conflicts.
Why it matters: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s (R-Ga.) repeated assertions on social media that humans can manipulate the weather—especially during a time of severe hurricanes—have become too much for some of her colleagues to tolerate.
“Yes, they can control the weather. It’s absurd for anyone to claim otherwise,” Greene stated in a post on X last week, shortly after Hurricane Helene struck the Southeast. She continued to make similar claims as Hurricane Milton approached Florida.
What they’re saying: Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), who represents a hurricane-prone area in South Florida, responded to one of Greene’s posts by stating, “NEW FLASH —> Humans cannot create or control hurricanes.” He added that anyone who believes otherwise “needs to have their head examined,” directly criticizing a fellow Republican.
Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), whose district was affected by Helene, issued a press release titled “Debunking Helene Response Myths,” which, while not naming Greene, asserted that “Nobody can control the weather.”
What we’re hearing: Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) told Axios that Greene’s comments “don’t deserve a response—other than to say, of course no one can control the weather.” Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) remarked, “I think enough has already been said. I ignore her.” Another House Republican dismissed Greene’s views as “loony tunes” and noted that there is widespread discontent with her recent statements among House Republicans.
Zoom out: Greene has a long history of provoking anger among her colleagues from both parties, particularly through her social media presence. In 2021, ten House Republicans, including Gimenez, voted with Democrats to remove her from committee assignments due to previous posts that incited violence against prominent Democrats.
Last year, she was expelled from the House Freedom Caucus for criticizing some right-wing members over their opposition to then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). A spokesperson for Greene did not respond to a request for comment.
