Georgia Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene raised eyebrows by placing a six-figure bid on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's chapstick during a GOP fundraising auction.
The auction, held on Tuesday, saw Greene secure McCarthy's cherry-flavored chapstick by offering $100,000 for it. The proceeds from the auction will go to the National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC).
The news—first reported by Politico reporter Olivia Beavers—reflects the evolving relationship between Greene and McCarthy, which has transformed from initial skepticism to a close alliance.
\u201cNEW: During GOP conference today, House Rs did about a 15-min fundraising auction for chapstick used by Speaker McCarthy.\n\nThe winner: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), whose winning bid was $100,000, her Spox confirms to me.\u201d— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia Beavers) 1684851538
Initially, McCarthy and other House Republican leaders did not endorse Greene during her congressional campaign in 2020.
They considered her an unserious candidate who did not align with the values of the GOP.
However, since Greene's arrival on Capitol Hill in 2021, she and McCarthy have developed a close alliance. The New York Timesreported that the two lawmakers frequently exchange text messages and hold private meetings in McCarthy's office. McCarthy has defended Greene on numerous occasions, while Greene has become an influential voice within McCarthy's inner circle.
Greene, a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, also played a significant role in McCarthy's successful bid for House Speaker.
Contrary to other Republican colleagues such as Representatives Lauren Boebert (Colorado) and Matt Gaetz (Florida), Greene endorsed McCarthy during his contentious speakership campaign. McCarthy expressed his gratitude for Greene's support, declaring that he would always support and protect her, even telling a friend that he will "never leave that woman."
Even so, news of the GOP auction—particularly Greene's extravagant bid for a chapstick—drew criticism.
Many were grossed out to say nothing of furious that the GOP was busy fundraising instead of tackling more pressing issues.
\u201cI'm sorry in advance for this...\n\nKevin McCarthy auctioned off his used Chapstick, and Marjorie Taylor Greene bought it for $100,000.\n\nSo many questions.\nSo much nausea.\u201d— BrooklynDad_Defiant!\u262e\ufe0f (@BrooklynDad_Defiant!\u262e\ufe0f) 1684864448
\u201cWhile Republicans adamantly try to take away child care from children, food from families, earned benefits from the elderly & school from students, Marjorie Taylor Greene just spent $100,000 on a used chapstick from Kevin McCarthy.\n\nIt's a blatant slap in the face to Americans.\u201d— Congresswoman Summer Lee (@Congresswoman Summer Lee) 1684856191
\u201cJust when you thought Republicans could not get any weirder, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene paid $100,000 for some used Chapstick and dinner with Kevin McCarthy.\n\nhttps://t.co/5tyQONFtWo via @politicususa\u201d— Sarah Reese Jones (@Sarah Reese Jones) 1684863696
\u201cKevin McCarthy just auctioned off his used chapstick. \n\nMarjorie Taylor Greene purchased it for $100,000. \n\nI wish I was making this up. We are days away from a default, and McCarthy is focused on fundraising for Republicans. Help me defeat him: https://t.co/uLt2bqWeTX\u201d— John Burrows (@John Burrows) 1684859536
\u201cTypical GOP overspender. https://t.co/iCGUuVx1Qk\u201d— Tea Pain (@Tea Pain) 1684882148
\u201cIt's just all a big joke. I sure hope Greene used her own personal money. BTW, where did she get all of that money?\n\nhttps://t.co/bure3szRwg\u201d— Justice is Served\ud83d\udfe7 (@Justice is Served\ud83d\udfe7) 1684862312
\u201cKevin McCarthy auctioned off his used Chapstick, and Marjorie Taylor Greene bought it for $100,000.\nThis is an actual authentic genuine fact, a thing that happened today in real life. Not a joke or parody or satire. \nEven as I write this I don\u2019t really believe it.\u201d— Helen Kennedy (@Helen Kennedy) 1684866279
\u201cMarjorie Taylor Greene paid $100,000 For Kevin McCarthy\u2019s used Chapstick. Yes, this really just happened.\n\nWhat the hell is she gonna do with it?\u201d— Republicans against Trump (@Republicans against Trump) 1684857363
\u201cAdding insult to injury:\n\nAs Republicans hold our nation\u2019s debt hostage demanding cuts that would have devastating effects for millions of Americans, Marjorie Taylor Greene pays $100k, more than most make in a year, for Kevin McCarthy\u2019s used chapstick. \n\nDespicable.\u201d— Marcus Flowers (@Marcus Flowers) 1684856518
Following the conclusion of bidding and fundraising efforts for the NRCC, House Republicans shifted their attention back to the pressing issue of the debt ceiling.
During discussions, skepticism emerged regarding Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's suggested "X-date" of June 1 as a potential deadline for a debt default.
Negotiations between the White House and House Republicans have been met with challenges, with key GOP negotiators expressing their discontent and McCarthy indicating a lack of progress towards a bipartisan agreement to avert a historic debt default.
As the nation faces a critical debt ceiling deadline, representatives from the White House and House Republicans convened on Tuesday to engage in negotiations. However, key GOP negotiators reported that the talks were not progressing favorably.
McCarthy echoed this sentiment, stating that a bipartisan deal with President Joe Biden to prevent a potential default remained distant.
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