McConnell: Marjorie Taylor Greene’s ‘Loony’ Conspiracy Theories Are ‘Cancer’ To Republicans

Topline

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) called the conspiracy theories espoused by freshman Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) “loony lies” in a statement to The Hill on Monday, sharply criticizing Greene as Democrats call for her to be banished from committees or removed from office — but House Republican leaders’ position remains unclear. 

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“Somebody who’s suggested that perhaps no airplane hit the Pentagon on 9/11, that horrifying school shootings were pre-staged, and that the Clintons crashed JFK Jr.’s airplane is not living in reality,” McConnell reportedly said.

Chief Critic

Greene lashed out in response to McConnell’s statement, blasting “weak Republicans” on Twitter. She’s spent the last few days vowing to stand firm and denouncing media outlets for questioning her beliefs.

Key Background

For weeks, Greene’s conspiratorial thinking has drawn bipartisan criticism. Before taking office, she backed QAnon and other wild conspiracy theories, and CNN reported that she liked Facebook posts calling for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and other public officials to be executed. Democrats have called for her removal from the House education committee as a result, and a few House members backed expelling her from Congress altogether, an idea that faces long odds since two-thirds of members would need to vote in favor.

What To Watch For

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said last week Greene’s tacit endorsements of violence are “deeply disturbing,” and he plans on speaking with her this week, though it’s unclear whether he’ll sanction her. Meanwhile, Democrats are preparing a resolution to take away Greene’s committee assignments if McCarthy doesn’t take action first.

Further Reading

McConnell says Taylor Greene’s embrace of conspiracy theories a ‘cancer’ to GOP, country (The Hill)