Marjorie Taylor Greene, the high-profile Republican congresswoman from Georgia and one of former President Donald Trump’s most ardent supporters, has announced her resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives. This unexpected development marks a dramatic shift in the political landscape, given Greene’s prominent role as a staunch defender of Trump and a vocal advocate of controversial issues. Her decision to step down comes amid a bitter public feud with Trump himself, highlighting deep divisions within the Republican Party.
Greene’s resignation announcement was made through a video posted on social media, where she explained that she would officially leave office on January 5, 2026. In her statement, she expressed a desire to avoid a divisive primary battle in her district, one that would pit her against a Republican challenger potentially supported by Trump. She said, “I refuse to be a ‘battered wife’ hoping it all goes away and gets better,” referencing the relentless political pressure and personal attacks she has faced. Greene criticized the situation, suggesting that her district should not have to endure a “hurtful and hateful primary” that could undermine Republican chances in the upcoming midterm elections.
The feud between Greene and Trump reportedly began over Greene’s persistent demands for the release of files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose case has long been a source of controversy and conspiracy theories. Epstein’s connections to powerful figures and the circumstances surrounding his death have fuelled public interest and political debate. Greene had been one of the loudest voices calling for transparency on this issue, arguing that it involved protecting victims of trafficking and exploitation. However, this stance eventually put her at odds with Trump, who had downplayed the significance of the Epstein files, framing the topic as a distraction from his administration’s broader achievements.
The tension escalated when Trump publicly labelled Greene a “traitor,” a severe condemnation that shocked many within the party. Trump’s criticism was amplified on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he claimed Greene “went BAD” after he refused to return her “never-ending barrage of phone calls.” Despite the harsh words, Trump also acknowledged his appreciation for Greene’s past service, creating a complex dynamic of conflict and reluctant respect. In an interview with ABC News, Trump described her resignation as “great news for the country” and indicated his intention to support a Republican challenger to replace her.
Greene’s political career has been marked by controversy from the start. She was first elected to Congress in 2020, amid headlines surrounding her support for QAnon conspiracy theories. These included unfounded claims about school shootings and the September 11 attacks being staged events. Although Greene has since apologized and distanced herself from those earlier statements, her reputation as a polarizing figure has persisted. Over the last several months, Greene had become increasingly critical not only of Trump but also of broader Republican policies. She openly challenged Trump’s administration for not doing enough to lower living costs for voters and voiced opposition to tariffs on imports, which she believed hurt American consumers.
The Epstein files controversy became the focal point of her dissent. Greene argued that standing up for victims—particularly young women who had been exploited—should not result in her being branded a traitor or facing threats from the President. Her vocal criticism of Trump’s reluctance to release sensitive documents created a rift that widened as both sides dug in. The feud spilled over into the public domain, with Greene appearing on multiple news programs to express her frustration and call for accountability.
Interestingly, the conflict over Epstein files took a sudden turn when Trump reversed his stance amid growing bipartisan pressure to make the documents public. He signed a bill mandating the Justice Department to release the files within 30 days, marking a notable shift from his earlier dismissive approach. This move somewhat vindicated Greene’s position, even as their personal and political relationship remained fractured.
Despite the acrimony, Greene’s resignation letter reflected a sense of accomplishment. She outlined a list of political achievements during her tenure and acknowledged the challenges she faced, including the “hurtful” comments from Trump. While leaving Congress, Greene has not ruled out continuing her political career in another capacity. Reports have suggested she might consider running for state office, either as governor of Georgia or for a U.S. Senate seat. However, she has publicly denied plans to pursue either position, and Trump has reportedly advised against such ambitions due to unfavorable polling numbers.
The fallout from Greene’s departure extends beyond their personal feud. Before their falling out,
