'Very strange': Wave of speculation as MAGA congressman announces departure

Yet another Republican congressman announced he will be retiring, leading to speculation running rampant online.

Congressman Troy E. Nehls Saturday made his announcement on social media, following the lead of another recent departure from the GOP side of things: Marjorie Taylor Greene.

"After more than 30 years in law enforcement serving and protecting my community as a police officer, constable, Fort Bend County Sheriff, an Army veteran, and six years representing this district in Congress, I have made the decision, after conversations with my beautiful bride and my girls over the Thanksgiving holiday, to focus on my family and return home after this Congress," Nehls wrote on X.

But a lot of commenters weren't buying the lawmaker's reasoning.

Shea Jordan Smith, a popular user formerly associated with Empower Project, responded with, "

Timothy Peterson agreed, writing simply, "

Jesse Rodriguez of MS NOW made a different point:

"May 2024: Rep. Troy Nehls investigated over allegations he used campaign money to pay rent to his own company," he wrote, linking to a story about the investigation. "Today he announced his retirement."