Conservative media division emerges following Marjorie Taylor Greene's challenge to remove Mike Johnson
Greene's push to oust House Speaker Johnson due to his Ukraine aid stance sparks a division within the conservative media sphere.
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Marjorie Taylor Greene has highlighted divisions within right-wing media.
A division has emerged within the MAGA Media landscape as a result of the extremist Republican congresswoman threatening to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson over his backing of Ukraine aid. The split has pitted the hardline and absolutist faction against the establishment wing.
Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch controls influential outlets such as Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Post. These powerful media properties have been delivering harsh criticism towards Greene and individuals who back the challenge to Johnson's decision to approve funding for Kyiv.
A division has emerged within the MAGA Media landscape, as the extremist Republican congresswoman threatens to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson for supporting Ukraine aid. The hardline and absolutist faction now stand opposed to the establishment wing.
The Journal has praised Johnson, but Fox News took a different approach. They published a critical editorial last week, calling Greene an "idiot" and accusing her of trying to harm the GOP. The Post went even further, featuring Greene on its cover and labeling her as "MOSCOW MARJORIE."
The insurgent bloc of the right-wing media universe has taken a different approach. They have launched a series of harsh attacks on Johnson and praised Greene for standing by her principles.
Steve Bannon, host of the popular “War Room” podcast and former chief political strategist for Donald Trump, has been particularly vocal in his criticism of the House speaker. Recently, he called the Ukraine aid package “a desecration” and encouraged his listeners to contact their representatives to demand Johnson's removal.
Rose Gottemoeller, former NATO Deputy Secretary General, tells Christiane Amanpour that Kyiv has a pathway to victory in its war against Russia.
Rose Gottemoeller, former NATO Deputy Secretary General, tells Christiane Amanpour that Kyiv has a pathway to victory in its war against Russia.
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‘They’ll be able to get the aid going very quickly,’ says NATO’s former Deputy Secretary General
Bannon is not the only one criticizing Johnson. Charlie Kirk, a MAGA personality and radio host close to the Trump family, accused Johnson of lying in the name of God and questioned his Christian faith. Tucker Carlson also raised doubts, suggesting Johnson may be influenced by the left. Breitbart published a negative article about a member of Johnson's staff, while The Gateway Pundit has been attacking Johnson with headlines like "WHAT A SNAKE."
Greene, an adept information warrior, has used media platforms to rally conservative support against Johnson. She has appeared on shows hosted by Bannon, Kirk, and Carlson, as well as granting interviews to outlets like One America News. This strategy has only intensified the attacks on Johnson and highlighted the divisions within right-wing media.
Despite the ongoing battle, it is unlikely that she will come out as the winner. This situation highlights the significance of Murdoch's right-wing media empire, even though its influence has decreased in recent years. The power of Murdoch's outlets, especially Fox News, remains considerable. Without Murdoch's support, Johnson would be facing more challenges and be at a higher risk of losing his position as speaker.
On the other hand, the criticism of Johnson by hardliners in MAGA Media has damaged his reputation among many supporters. Some now view him as a typical D.C. insider rather than a strong leader. Although he may survive the ordeal, the fight has left him significantly wounded.
And his opponents are not only left unvanquished, but continue to see their powers balloon each and every day — all while the legacy media model that crowned Murdoch GOP kingmaker continues to erode. Greene might not prevail in her battle against Johnson this time around, but it has served as a harbinger of things to come amid a larger war for the soul of the Republican Party. While the winds might not entirely favor Greene and the MAGA Media hardliners in this very moment, they do appear to be shifting.
The Murdoch-influenced GOP empowered Trump. That could very well pale in comparison to what the rising, more extremist wing of right-wing media delivers in the years ahead.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the widening divisions within right-wing media, driven by the challenge to House Speaker Mike Johnson's support for Ukraine aid by extremist Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. The split has exposed the power struggle between the hardline and absolutist faction and the establishment wing, with Murdoch's media empire siding with the latter.
Greene's use of conservative media platforms has fueled the attacks on Johnson, highlighting the growing influence of insurgent right-wing outlets. Despite Murdoch's continued dominance, the erosion of legacy media's power provides an opportunity for more extreme voices to gain traction. This battle within the GOP reflects a larger shift towards extremism, fueled by a rising wing of right-wing media that challenges the traditional establishment and could ultimately shape the future of the Republican Party. The outcome of the fight between Greene and Johnson may not be clear, but it signals a broader power struggle that will continue to shape the political landscape.
