Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Nov 22: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, announced she will step down from Congress on January 5, 2026, ending a turbulent political partnership that has publicly unraveled.
Citing frustration with Republican leadership and the direction of Washington, Greene revealed her decision on Friday evening (US time), just days after clashing with Trump over her support for releasing government files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
In a four-page statement, the Georgia Republican accused party leaders of sidelining the legislative branch and failing to advance conservative priorities such as border security and “America First” policies. She lamented that “no matter which way the political pendulum swings, Republican or Democrat, nothing ever gets better for the common American man or woman.” Greene added that ordinary citizens hold the true power to reshape Washington and vowed to stand with them in rebuilding it.
“I look forward to a new path ahead,” she said, with US media reporting she may pursue state office, potentially running for Georgia governor or a Senate seat.
The rift with Trump intensified after Greene joined a group of Republicans advocating the release of all government-held Epstein files, a position Trump initially opposed but later accepted when it became clear the measure would pass with bipartisan support. Greene also criticised Trump and GOP leaders for not sufficiently reducing costs for voters and questioned whether Trump’s foreign policy focus aligned with “America First” goals.
Following the dispute, Greene reported receiving safety warnings from private security firms, stating that threats against her were “fueled and egged on by the most powerful man in the world,” referring to Trump.
Trump responded on social media, calling Greene a “traitor” and “wacky,” and pledged to back a challenger for her seat. Despite the tensions, the measure mandating the Justice Department to release the Epstein files passed Congress on Tuesday, and Trump signed it into law on Wednesday.