Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly apologized for her involvement in ‘toxic politics’ during a CNN interview on Sunday, signaling a potential shift in her controversial political stance amid a feud with President Donald Trump. This reflection comes as she faces personal threats and calls for a more civil discourse in American politics.
In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Dana Bash on ‘State of the Union,’ Greene expressed humility and regret for her past behavior, stating, ‘I would like to say, humbly, I’m sorry for taking part in the toxic politics; it’s very bad for our country.’ She acknowledged that this was a fair criticism when challenged about not speaking out against similar rhetoric earlier. Greene revealed that the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk had prompted deep reflection on the dangers of inflammatory language, emphasizing that she is only responsible for her own words and actions and has been working to ‘put down the knives in politics.’
The apology unfolds against the backdrop of an escalating public dispute with Trump, who recently withdrew his endorsement and labeled Greene a ‘traitor’ and a ‘disgrace’ in social media posts. Greene expressed concern that such language could radicalize people against her and endanger her life, a fear she had not previously vocalized when similar rhetoric targeted others. This personal experience appears to have catalyzed her change in perspective, highlighting how political toxicity can reciprocally affect those who propagate it.
Greene’s career has been marked by divisive and often conspiracy-laden statements, including promoting theories about the 9/11 attacks being a hoax and spreading false claims about Barack Obama’s religion. She faced repercussions for comparing COVID-19 mask mandates to Nazi policies and endorsing posts that called for violence against Democratic politicians, leading to her removal from House committees and ejection from the conservative House Freedom Caucus. These incidents underscore her history as a provocateur within the Republican Party.
The current rift with Trump centers on the release of Epstein-related documents, with Greene advocating for full transparency despite opposition from the White House and House Speaker Mike Johnson. She is among a small group of Republicans, including Reps. Thomas Massie, Lauren Boebert, and Nancy Mace, who have signed a discharge petition to force a vote on the matter. Trump has denied any wrongdoing related to Jeffrey Epstein and has lobbied against the release, intensifying the conflict and isolating Greene further within her party.
During the interview, Greene also made controversial suggestions, such as urging Bash to interview Nick Fuentes, an anti-Semitic commentator, which illustrates the complexities of her political stance. Despite this, she insisted on her commitment to kindness and unity, calling for Americans to ‘come together and end all the toxic, dangerous rhetoric and divide.’ She expressed hope that Trump would follow her example in fostering a more civil political environment, emphasizing a desire for reconciliation.
This apology represents a significant departure for Greene, who has long been a firebrand figure in conservative politics. If sustained, it could reshape her political identity and influence, but it also risks alienating her base and deepening divisions with Trump. The outcome of the Epstein files debate and her future interactions with party leadership will be crucial in determining whether this moment leads to lasting change or further polarization in American politics.
