In the midst of an escalating conflict over immigration at the Texas border, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has advocated for a "national divorce" between Democratic and Republican states.
The Georgia representative's comments were in response to a list of Democratic-leaning states siding with the federal government in a dispute with Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Greene stated, "When I said we need a National Divorce this is exactly what I'm talking about and a serious example as to why." The concept of a national divorce, while not a novel idea from Greene, has been met with controversy and criticism, including from members of her own party.
The tension between Governor Abbott and the federal government has been escalating, particularly after Abbott's declaration to continue the installation of razor wire at the border to deter migrants from Mexico. Despite a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling in favor of the federal government, allowing the U.S. Border Patrol to remove wire installed by the Texas National Guard, Abbott remains undeterred.
In a show of solidarity, twenty-five Republican governors issued a joint statement supporting Abbott, commending his efforts to "protect American citizens from historic levels of illegal immigrants, deadly drugs like Fentanyl, and terrorists entering our country."
This ongoing conflict underscores the deep divisions between Democrats and Republicans on the issue of immigration. The Texas National Guard, while technically part of the US military and ultimately reporting to the President, takes orders from state governors except in exceptional circumstances.
The current standoff has ignited concerns among conservatives that President Joe Biden may attempt to federalize the National Guard, potentially forcing troops to choose between loyalty to their state and their country.
According to The Washington Post, the dispute has fueled talk of civil war and resistance among conservative media and politicians. Former President Donald Trump, who has made immigration concerns a key aspect of his campaign for a second Republican nomination, has been a significant influence in this discourse.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the "pathetically weak" Republicans after GOP lawmakers succumbed to pressure from Trump to reject a bipartisan border deal. Representative Greene, known as one of Trump's most ardent supporters in Congress, continues to champion his cause.
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