Staff Reports
Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, along with several other Republicans, voted against the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. This action has prompted a strong backlash from conservatives, with many calling for Gallagher to face a primary challenge in the next election.
The failed impeachment vote saw 214 votes in favor and 216 against, with Gallagher aligning himself with Democrats. This move has irked many staunch Republicans who believe that Mayorkas is responsible for the crisis at the southern border, thanks to his implementation of President Biden’s open border policies.
Mike Gallagher votes against DHS sec impeachment after Mayorkas acts on his demands for textile import limits
What gives, congressman?https://t.co/L64rsGDXSf
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) February 7, 2024
Leading conservative figure Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA took to social media to express his disdain for Gallagher’s decision, calling for his political career to be over. Kirk made it clear that he and other patriots in Wisconsin’s 8th district would work to primary Gallagher, just as they did with Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma.
Moreover, Lou Dobbs and Alex Bruesewitz also expressed their disappointment with Gallagher’s vote on Twitter, calling his decision a betrayal of the Republican Party and the American people. They accused Gallagher of making a backroom deal to save his own skin and labeled him a “disgrace” to Wisconsin and the Republican Party.
In response to the criticism, Gallagher defended his vote, stating that while he believes Mayorkas has been a “disgrace” in his job, he does not believe that his incompetence meets the impeachment threshold outlined by Republicans. He argued that impeaching Mayorkas would not resolve the border crisis and would only set a dangerous new precedent for future administrations.
Gallagher also cautioned Republicans to learn from the mistakes made during the impeachment efforts against former President Donald Trump, emphasizing that impeachment should not be used for unpopular decisions or non-criminal acts. He urged his fellow Republicans to reject the precedent set by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and avoid creating a new, lower standard for impeachment.
The backlash against Gallagher’s vote serves as a clear indication of the deep divisions within the Republican Party, with many conservatives expressing their frustration and disappointment. As the 2024 election looms, the party faces the challenge of uniting behind its core conservative principles while navigating the complexities of internal disagreements.
