GOP's Shrinking Circle: Why Are Republicans Leaving?

The GOP is facing a wave of departures, and it's not just about one person. Marjorie Taylor Greene's exit is just the tip of the iceberg. With 22 House Republicans already saying they won't run again, the party's future looks uncertain. This isn't normal; analysts say this is more than usual. Greene, a fiery representative from Georgia, stepped down after a public feud with former President Donald Trump. Their disagreement? The release of the Epstein files, among other things. But Greene's departure is more than just a personal drama. It's a sign that the GOP is in trouble. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy sees it as a warning. He calls Greene "the canary in the coal mine. " In simpler terms, her resignation is a red flag. It's a signal that something bigger is going on. McCarthy warns his party to wake up. He says they need to focus, or they'll face more retirements. The GOP's House majority is already slim. Even with Greene gone, they have a small cushion. But with more Republicans leaving, that cushion could disappear. The question is, will the GOP address the issues driving people away? Or will they ignore the warning signs? Meanwhile, Trump is making headlines of his own. He's vague about his healthcare plans. He says he doesn't want to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. But he's open to some kind of extension. Why? Because he says the ACA is a disaster. He blames the Democrats, but he's also negotiating with them. In other news, the mother of a White House press secretary's nephew is in ICE custody. She's been in the US illegally since 1999. Her son hasn't been able to talk to her since she was detained. It's a tough situation, and it's not the only one making headlines. Trump is also slamming the New York Times. He calls their report on his health a "hit piece. " He says he's not losing energy, despite what the report says. He points to a recent physical and cognitive test. He says he aced it. Lastly, there's news about a peace deal between Ukraine and the US. Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is going back to Moscow. There's a leaked recording of Witkoff coaching a Russian official on how to talk to Trump. Trump defends Witkoff, calling it "standard negotiating procedure. "