Resignation of Marjorie Taylor Greene Signals Major Rift in U.S. Republican Politics

Marjorie Taylor Greene Resigns From Congress After Public Break With Donald Trump

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, once one of Donald Trump’s most outspoken allies in Congress, announced she will step down from her seat early next year. Her departure marks a significant rupture inside the Republican Party, as Greene says the relationship that defined her political rise has now collapsed amid disputes over policy, leadership, and personal loyalty.

Greene confirmed her resignation in a ten-minute online video, saying she has “never fit in” in Washington and had grown increasingly isolated. Her announcement follows months of direct criticism of the former president, who turned on her after disagreements over classified files, foreign policy, and health care. Trump has since labeled her a “traitor,” signaling he would support a primary challenger in 2026.

She said her final day in office will be 5 January 2026.

Greene Announces Early Departure From Congress

Greene used her video statement to outline the pressures she faced in Congress, saying she believed her independence on several issues angered fellow Republicans and the former president. She said she had supported Trump consistently since entering politics in 2020 but felt he had not shown the same loyalty in return.

“Loyalty should be a two-way street,” Greene said. She added that lawmakers should be able to “vote our conscience and represent our district’s interest,” noting that the role of a representative requires independence, even when it clashes with party leadership.

Her remarks reflected months of growing distance between her and Trump, who had once championed her as a rising star within the “Make America Great Again” movement. Their relationship deteriorated after Greene publicly criticized his approach to the release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case and questioned elements of his health and foreign policy positions.

The White House did not comment on her announcement.

A Political Career Defined by Controversy and Influence

Greene entered Congress in 2021 after a landslide victory in Georgia’s 14th District. She quickly became a polarizing figure, attracting national attention for promoting the QAnon conspiracy movement and appearing at events with white supremacist activists. While Republican leaders often distanced themselves from her views, Trump repeatedly defended her and praised her as “a real WINNER!”

Despite the controversies, Greene cultivated influence within the party. She became a close ally of Kevin McCarthy during his rise to House speaker in 2023, helping him secure support from the Republican conference’s right flank. Her loyalty during internal party battles earned her leverage within the House GOP, though McCarthy’s ouster later that year significantly weakened her bloc.

Fallout With Trump Reshapes Her Political Future

The deterioration of Greene’s relationship with Trump unfolded publicly throughout 2024 and 2025. She criticized Trump for what she viewed as inconsistencies in policy and transparency, particularly regarding documents tied to the long-running Epstein investigation. Trump retaliated by challenging her credibility and questioning her political future.

During recent interviews, Trump said he intended to endorse a challenger against her in the upcoming primary, calling her “wacky” and “disloyal.” For Greene, this represented a dramatic reversal from the former president who once relied on her support in Congress to reinforce his influence.

Political analysts told AP and Reuters in recent coverage that Greene’s departure underscores a broader shift in Republican internal dynamics, as prominent figures who built their careers around Trump’s political identity reassess their long-term prospects.

Impact on Congress and the 2026 Elections

Greene joins a growing list of lawmakers from both parties opting not to run for reelection as the 2025 congressional session has been marked by legislative gridlock and factional divides. Her exit is expected to alter the balance within the House GOP, where she has been both an influential strategist and a divisive presence.

Her future plans remain unclear. Some observers believe she could pursue a media career or a statewide campaign, while others speculate she may attempt to rebuild influence within conservative grassroots networks.

Republican leaders in Georgia are preparing for what is expected to be a competitive primary in her district, which leans heavily Republican but has seen internal party challenges in recent years.

For now, Greene says she plans to complete her term but will not return after January 2026. “I have always worked for my district and stayed true to what I believe,” she said. “But Washington was never a place that embraced me, and that’s okay. It’s time to take a different path.”