© Greg NashGreene vows to 'never back down' in face of criticism over past remarks
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) vowed to "never back down" as she faces an avalanche of criticism in light of unearthed remarks advocating violence against Democrats, calling school shootings a hoax and supporting the Qanon conspiracy theory.
In a statement to supporters, Greene blamed the "radical, left-wing Democratic mob and the Fake News media" for the effort to "take me out," even though the controversy surrounds unsurfaced comments she herself made and has attracted criticism from fellow Republicans.
"I will never back down. I will never give up. Because I am one of you. And I will always represent you," she said. "I take these slings and arrows gladly for you. I take them for our America First movement so that we can save our country and stop socialism. I knew this day would come, it was only a question of when.
"If Republicans cower to the mob, and let the Democrats and the Fake News media take me out, they're opening the door to come after every single Republican until there's none left," she added. "But what's worse is Republicans would be opening the door to let the vicious cancel culture mob take out every one of you."
Greene also touted what she said was a flood of donations since the criticism against her reached a boiling point, claiming that nearly 60,000 donors had contributed over $1.6 million to her campaign in recent days.
"While big PACs and powerful corporations refuse to donate to Republicans and cave to the vicious cancel culture mob, the people have my back," she said. "Contributions of $.50 or ... $100 are significant statements of support, but the heartfelt prayers and encouraging messages telling me to keep standing strong against the mob are what's most significant to me."
Greene has been facing a wave of rebukes in past days as internet sleuths and news organizations uncover a bevy of controversial comments she's made in the past.
The Georgia Republican's past support for the groundless Qanon conspiracy theory, which posits that Democrats are part of a satanic sex trafficking ring, was already well known. But it was recently revealed that she supported Facebook posts that called for executing Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and FBI agents, and taunted gun control activist David Hogg a year after he survived the 2018 mass school shooting at his high school in Parkland, Fla.
The remarks have led to a wave of bipartisan admonitions and calls from Democrats for Greene to be expelled from Congress.
"Congresswoman Greene's misconduct has helped radicalize domestic terrorists and endangered the lives of her colleagues and fellow members of Congress," Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) wrote in a letter asking colleagues to support a resolution to remove Greene from Congress.
"She has broken her oath to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies and as such is unworthy of the high position of honor and trust reposed in the office."
It is unlikely that Greene will be kicked out of Congress, but the remarks were alarming enough to spark a conversation with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)
"These comments are deeply disturbing and Leader McCarthy plans to have a conversation with the Congresswoman about them," a McCarthy spokesman said this week.