On Wednesday, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy announced his support for Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resolution to “expunge” the impeachments of former President Donald Trump. The move signals McCarthy’s continued loyalty to Trump and underscores the growing influence of Greene within the Republican Party.
The resolution, introduced by Greene, a staunch Trump ally, seeks to erase the two impeachments that were levied against Trump during his tenure as president. In a statement, McCarthy expressed his agreement with the resolution, stating that the impeachment proceedings against Trump were “baseless” and represented a “waste of time.”
McCarthy’s support for Greene’s resolution is not surprising considering his close relationship with Trump. During his tenure as House Minority Leader, McCarthy was known for defending the former president at every turn, even after the January 6th Capitol insurrection. He infamously claimed that Trump bore no responsibility for the attack, despite evidence to the contrary.
Greene’s rise to prominence within the Republican Party has been a subject of controversy. She has peddled conspiracy theories, including QAnon, and has faced backlash for making inflammatory and offensive remarks. But her unabashed support for Trump and her ability to tap into the party’s far-right base has gained her favor with many Republicans, including McCarthy.
The push to “expunge” the Trump impeachments is seen by many as an attempt to rewrite history and erase the accountability that comes with such proceedings. Impeachments are a constitutional mechanism designed to hold elected officials accountable for misconduct. By seeking to expunge them, McCarthy and Greene are undermining the integrity of this process and setting a dangerous precedent.
Moreover, their efforts to whitewash Trump’s actions concerning the Capitol insurrection are deeply troubling. The former president was impeached for inciting a mob that stormed the Capitol, resulting in the deaths of five people, including a Capitol Police officer. The need to investigate and punish such egregious behavior is critical for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that no one is above it.
Many members of the Republican Party have distanced themselves from Trump following the Capitol insurrection, recognizing the potential harm his continued influence could bring to the party. However, McCarthy’s support for Greene’s resolution demonstrates that Trump still holds sway within the GOP, despite the damage his presidency caused.
The move to “expunge” the Trump impeachments is unlikely to succeed in the Democrat-controlled House, as it would require a majority vote. Nevertheless, McCarthy and Greene’s efforts send a clear message about the direction the Republican Party is heading. It further entrenches their loyalty to Trump and diminishes the prospects of the party moving towards a more inclusive and moderate stance.
In the end, McCarthy’s support for Greene’s resolution emphasizes his commitment to Trump and his willingness to prioritize party allegiance over accountability and truth. As the Republican Party continues to grapple with its identity post-Trump, it remains to be seen whether McCarthy’s unwavering support for the former president will pay off or prove to be a liability for the party in the long run.
