Results for: Freedom Caucus

Former President Trump endorsed a primary challenger against Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good (R-Va.) on Tuesday, criticizing Good’s previous opposition and recent support as ‘too late’. Trump’s endorsement of John McGuire, a Virginia state senator and Navy Seal, comes after Good endorsed Governor Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) for president in 2024. Good, one of the few representatives to initially oppose Trump, later endorsed him after DeSantis exited the race. Trump criticized Good’s support for DeSantis and his vote against aid for Israel. Good’s primary challenge is further compounded by Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) expressing plans to campaign against Good in Virginia.

A Republican faction in the Missouri Senate ended a lengthy filibuster on Thursday, allowing a vote on a $4 billion Medicaid program. The measure, which needs a second vote of approval, will renew a tax on hospitals and other medical providers to draw down federal funding for low-income Medicaid recipients. The vote followed a standoff between the Freedom Caucus, a GOP faction, and Senate leadership. The Freedom Caucus had been blocking the tax vote as leverage to pressure the passage of a bill to remove Planned Parenthood from the state’s Medicaid program and a constitutional amendment to raise the threshold for passing future amendments.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has endorsed Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) in the upcoming primary runoff election, defending him from attacks by fellow Republicans. Gonzales had previously criticized two far-right members of the House Freedom Caucus, calling them ‘scumbags’ and accusing one of paying minors for sex. Despite not directly addressing the controversy, Abbott praised Gonzales’ efforts in Congress and urged Texans to support his re-election.

Amidst threats by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to oust Speaker Mike Johnson, Democrats have indicated that they will support Johnson’s retention only if he provides them with something valuable in return. This demand highlights the political maneuvering and negotiations within the House as Democrats seek to influence Johnson’s handling of key issues, such as Ukraine aid.

Internal conflict within the GOP has escalated in recent months, fueled by divisions over foreign aid and Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership. Despite passing a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, staunch Republican opposition to Ukraine assistance and tension over Johnson’s speakership have sown further division. Republican lawmakers have criticized the foreign aid bill, arguing for heightened border security instead. Rep. Tony Gonzales condemned colleagues who opposed the aid bills as “scumbags.” Additionally, a conflict emerged over a motion to remove Johnson as Speaker. Rep. Derrick Van Orden and Rep. Matt Gaetz engaged in a verbal altercation, calling each other names.