Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent Republican congresswoman from Georgia and former staunch ally of President Donald Trump, has announced her resignation from Congress following a bitter public feud over the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The conflict escalated when Trump labeled her a “traitor” for her relentless advocacy on the issue.
Greene made the announcement in a video posted on social media, stating she will leave the U.S. House of Representatives on January 5, 2026. She explained that she did not want her district to “endure a hurtful and hateful primary” against her by Trump, whom she had long supported, and expressed concern that Republicans might lose the upcoming midterm elections due to internal divisions.
The feud centers on Greene’s push for the release of all files from federal investigations into Epstein, the convicted sex offender. For months, she had been publicly pressing Trump and congressional Republicans to disclose the documents, arguing it was necessary for justice for the victims. This put her at odds with Trump, who initially viewed the issue as a distraction from his administration’s achievements, but he later reversed course under pressure.
Trump responded harshly last week, calling Greene “Marjorie Traitor Greene” and “wacky” in social media posts and interviews. He threatened to support a primary challenger against her, citing her changed behavior and criticism of his policies. However, days later, he signed a bill mandating the release of the Epstein files within 30 days, a move that garnered near-unanimous support in Congress.
Beyond the Epstein files, Greene had increasingly voiced disagreements with Trump on other fronts. She criticized his handling of the war in Gaza, describing it as a genocide, opposed his decision to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities, and called for extensions on health subsidies to prevent premium hikes for Americans, including her own children. These critiques marked a shift from her earlier unwavering support.
In her resignation letter, Greene defended her stance, writing that “standing up for American women who were raped at 14, trafficked and used by rich powerful men, should not result in me being called a traitor and threatened by the President of the United States.” She emphasized that she remained true to her constituents and the “America First” principles that first propelled her to Congress in 2020.
Greene’s political journey has been marked by controversy, from her early embrace of QAnon conspiracy theories to more recent efforts to present a more mainstream image. She has apologized for some past comments but maintained core beliefs, such as questioning the 2020 election results. Her evolution reflects a broader tension within the Republican Party between Trump’s influence and independent voices seeking to shape its future.
The resignation will narrow the Republican majority in the House, where the party holds only a slim advantage over Democrats. Control of the chamber is up for grabs in the 2026 midterms, and Greene’s departure could impact electoral dynamics in Georgia and nationally. While she has ruled out runs for governor or Senate, her future political ambitions remain uncertain, leaving open questions about her role in conservative politics.
