Marjorie Taylor Greene: ‘The Canary in the Coal Mine’ for Republicans, Says Former House Speaker – Live Updates on U.S. Politics
Kevin McCarthy Calls Marjorie Taylor Greene a ‘Canary in the Coal Mine’ for Republicans
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has characterized the resignation of Marjorie Taylor Greene as indicative of deeper troubles for the GOP as multiple House Republicans announce their departures. McCarthy suggested on Fox News, “She’s almost like the canary in the coal mine.”
“And this is something inside Congress; they’d better wake up because they are going to see a lot of people retiring, and they’ve got to focus.”
Despite retaining a narrow House majority, the GOP has seen 22 House Republicans either retire or decline to run for re-election, a number deemed above average by analysts. Greene—a three-term representative from Georgia—resigned after several weeks of escalating tensions with President Donald Trump over various issues, including the release of the Epstein files.
Senator Mark Kelly: ‘Not Backing Down’ Amid Pentagon Investigation
Senator Mark Kelly stated he is “not backing down” as he faces a Pentagon investigation for allegedly encouraging service members to refuse illegal orders in a recent video.
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show, Kelly criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s plans, stating, “He’s going to prosecute me under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for reciting the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It is so ridiculous. It’s almost like you can’t make this up.”
Kelly also rebutted accusations from Trump, asserting that such statements could have dire consequences. “Isn’t this the guy two months ago that said we had to stop the political violence issue? He didn’t even make it to Thanksgiving,” Kelly remarked.
House Republicans Critique Witkoff After Leaked Kremlin Call
Several Republicans have voiced criticism of Steve Witkoff following the publication of a leaked call transcript with a senior Kremlin official. Outgoing Congressman Don Bacon from Nebraska expressed concern over Witkoff’s reliability, stating, “It is clear that Witkoff fully favors the Russians. He cannot be trusted to lead these negotiations. He should be fired.”
Another GOP member, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, noted that the details of Witkoff’s conversation represent a “major problem” and advocated for a cessation of “ridiculous side shows and secret meetings,” encouraging integrity in diplomatic efforts.
Trump Remains Noncommittal on Future Healthcare Proposal
Donald Trump is currently without public engagements as he spends the Thanksgiving break in Palm Beach, Florida. During a brief discussion with reporters on Air Force One, he hinted at a forthcoming healthcare proposal.
Regarding Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that are due to expire, Trump remarked, “I’d rather not extend them at all,” while emphasizing a preference for individuals to directly purchase their own healthcare plans, thus promoting individual choice over reliance on insurance companies.
Mother of Karoline Leavitt’s Nephew Detained by ICE
Reports indicate that Bruna Caroline Ferreira, the mother of Karoline Leavitt’s 11-year-old nephew, is currently in custody of ICE after being arrested near Boston on November 12. Ferreira, a Brazilian national, has been living in the U.S. illegally since 1999.
Her attorney stated that Ferreira was on her way to pick up her son when detained, and her child has reportedly not been able to communicate with her since. This situation highlights ongoing debates surrounding immigration reform and the complexities affecting families.
Trump Critiques ‘Negative’ NY Times Report on Health
In a recent post on social media, Trump condemned a New York Times report detailing concerns about his age and fatigue during his presidency. He labeled the piece a “hit job” and asserted that he has just taken an exceptional physical exam and cognitive test, reiterating his energy levels.
Trump Defends Witkoff’s Coaching of Putin Aide
The Kremlin has confirmed that Witkoff will return to Moscow next week to advance discussions surrounding a Ukraine peace deal. This comes after a leaked recording surfaced, capturing Witkoff advising a Russian official on how to appeal to Trump regarding the peace plan.
In light of the allegations, Trump remarked that Witkoff’s approach is simply “standard negotiating procedure.” The unfolding dynamics highlight the intricate balancing act the U.S. faces concerning diplomacy and foreign policy in Europe.
