McConnell takes sides: Marjorie Taylor Greene theories a 'cancer' for GOP, while Cheney has 'courage'

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell took sides in the two major battles in the House Republican conference this week that could influence the direction of the post-Trump Republican Party: pro-Liz Cheney, anti-Marjorie Taylor Greene.

In a rare scathing statement, McConnell said that Greene's embrace of conspiracy theories is a “cancer for the Republican Party.”

The statement from the Kentucky Republican, which did not mention the Georgia freshman congresswoman by name, comes as Greene is facing calls to be stripped of committee assignments or removed from Congress altogether in light of resurfaced comments and social media interactions.

“Loony lies and conspiracy theories are cancer for the Republican Party and our country. Somebody who’s suggested that perhaps no airplane hit the Pentagon on 9/11, that horrifying school shootings were pre-staged, and that the Clintons crashed JFK Jr.’s airplane is not living in reality,” McConnell said in a statement, obtained by the Hill. “This has nothing to do with the challenges facing American families or the robust debates on substance that can strengthen our party.”

At the same time, McConnell also in a statement showed support for Cheney, the No. 3 House Republican facing calls to step down or be removed from her leadership position after she voted to impeach former President Donald Trump for "incitement of insurrection."

"Liz Cheney is a leader with deep convictions and the courage to act on them," McConnell said. "She is an important leader in our party and in our nation. I am grateful for her service and look forward to continuing to work with her on the crucial issues facing our nation."

Controversies surrounding each of the Republican women are set to come to a showdown among the caucus when House Republicans convene for a meeting on Wednesday morning.