Former President Donald Trump has publicly responded to the resignation announcement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who will step down from Congress on January 5, 2026. Greene, a Republican from Georgia, indicated her departure a year before the end of her term, citing concerns over her declining poll numbers and an anticipated primary challenge.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized Greene, suggesting her resignation stemmed from “plummeting poll numbers.” He also referred to her as “Marjorie ‘Traitor’ Brown,” a nickname he has used frequently in recent weeks. Trump’s post followed Greene’s public split from him over issues including the release of Jeffrey Epstein files and other policy disagreements.
Trump’s Criticism and Greene’s Response
Trump claimed that Greene would have had “no chance of winning” had he endorsed a primary opponent. He noted, “For some reason, primarily that I refused to return her never-ending barrage of phone calls, Marjorie went BAD.” In his remarks, he also disparaged her connections to Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, labeling him as “the WORST Republican Congressman in decades.”
Despite the harsh criticism, Trump expressed gratitude towards Greene, stating, “I will always appreciate Marjorie and thank her for her service to our Country!” Greene, who was elected in 2020 and became a prominent supporter of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, has pushed back against his comments. In her resignation video, she stated that she did not want her district to “endure a hurtful and hateful primary” supported by the former president.
She emphasized that loyalty in politics “should be a two-way street” and argued that lawmakers should be able to vote according to their conscience, reflecting a growing divide between her and Trump.
Implications of Greene’s Departure
Trump further commented in an interview with ABC News, describing Greene’s resignation as “great news for the country” and indicated that he had no intention of communicating with her again. Greene’s decision marks a significant break in her alignment with Trump, which may have broader implications for his influence over conservative politics, especially among his most fervent supporters.
The upcoming vacancy in Greene’s district will necessitate a special election to fill her seat for the remainder of her term once her resignation is officially submitted. Greene’s departure aligns her with a trend of moderate Republicans who have found themselves at odds with Trump’s hardline approach.
As this political landscape continues to evolve, Greene’s resignation highlights the complexities and shifting allegiances within the Republican Party, underscoring the challenges faced by those who seek to navigate Trump’s substantial influence in contemporary American politics. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
