Marjorie Taylor Greene is back in the headlines, and once again, it’s for her unapologetically bold, and often reckless, approach to politics. This time, she’s taking her cue from Newt Gingrich, the former Speaker of the House who’s known for his past involvement in government shutdowns. Gingrich recently took to social media to celebrate the strategy of shutting down the government as a way to flex political power. Greene, always eager to make waves, responded with an enthusiastic “I’m all in,” endorsing the idea of a government shutdown that could stretch well into 2024—potentially as far as January 20th. Oh, and while she was at it, she suggested that the current GOP leadership be ousted, just for good measure.
Now, let’s break this down. Marjorie’s call to “stand firm with the American people” sounds hollow when you consider the real consequences of a government shutdown. It could leave 3.5 million federal workers without paychecks, including essential workers like TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and border security personnel. The idea of these workers continuing their jobs without compensation over the holidays feels more like political theater than genuine public service.
As for the “madness” Greene is referring to, it seems to be the rejection of a Trump-backed funding proposal that many Republicans and Democrats alike found deeply flawed. The plan, which was seen as a way to extend funding while suspending the debt ceiling, faced backlash from both sides of the aisle. Even House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called it “laughable.” This proposal, heavily influenced by Trump and his supporters, was essentially abandoned when mega-donors like Elon Musk denounced it as “criminal.”
Greene’s unwavering support for Gingrich’s strategy seems a bit out of touch with reality. The last time the government shut down, it led to long-term damage, with unpaid workers, plummeting public opinion, and no clear resolution in sight. Yet, Greene is betting on history repeating itself in a more successful manner. It’s a risky bet, especially when Republicans can’t even agree on a unified leadership plan.
But what really gets lost in all this political maneuvering is the human cost. A shutdown would disrupt the lives of active-duty military personnel, delay Social Security services, and leave public services like national parks closed during the holiday season. Despite all this, Greene seems more focused on stirring up drama than addressing the very real impacts her proposed shutdown could have on millions of Americans.
In short, Marjorie’s brand of politics might grab attention on social media, but when it comes to actually serving the American people, it’s a recipe for chaos. It’s clear her focus isn’t on solving real problems—it’s on creating more spectacle.