By MICHELLE L. PRICE, LISA MASCARO and JEFF AMY
WASHINGTON (AP) — After a tempestuous relationship with former President Donald Trump, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has announced her resignation from Congress effective January 2026. Her decision comes amid escalating tensions with Trump, who has labeled her a “traitor” and vowed to support her primary challenger.
In an online video message longer than ten minutes, Greene detailed her reasoning, expressing a desire to spare her district from a contentious primary battle. “My life is filled with happiness, and my true convictions remain unchanged, because my self-worth is not defined by a man, but instead by God,” Greene stated.
This announcement marks a significant fracture within Trump’s influence over his most fervent supporters. Greene, once a stalwart advocate for Trump’s agenda, has recently criticized him on several policy issues including his stance on Jeffrey Epstein files, foreign policy, and healthcare.
In a brief interview with ABC News, Trump commented that Greene’s resignation was “great news for the country.” He expressed no intention of speaking with her but wished her well.
A Shifting Allegiance
Greene’s political journey began with her alignment to Trump’s Make America Great Again movement. However, her recent criticisms of Trump and her subsequent resignation signal a shift in her political stance. Despite her past allegiance, Greene emphasized that “loyalty should be a two-way street.”
Her departure adds to the growing list of lawmakers stepping down before the upcoming midterm elections. The announcement raises questions about Greene’s future political ambitions and the direction of her district, for which a special election will be set by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp.
Controversial Tenure
Known for her controversial views, Greene has often been at the center of political storms. She gained notoriety for endorsing conspiracy theories and making inflammatory remarks. Her rhetoric included claims about the 2017 Las Vegas shooting and the 9/11 attacks, which she suggested were inside jobs. Moreover, her comments about Muslim congresswomen using Qurans for their swearing-in ceremonies sparked widespread criticism.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Greene faced backlash for comparing mask mandates to the Holocaust. She also speculated on social media about a California wildfire being caused by “lasers or blue beams of light” from a left-wing cabal.
Disillusionment with GOP Leadership
Greene’s disillusionment with the Republican Party has been growing. Recently, she has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with GOP leadership, accusing them of sidelining legislative efforts since taking control of Washington. Her frustration boiled over in her decision not to run for Senate or governor in Georgia, citing a lack of confidence in GOP donors and consultants.
In her resignation video, Greene criticized the legislative process, claiming that many bills, including her own, remain stagnant. She expressed skepticism about the Republican Party’s prospects in the upcoming midterms and voiced her unwillingness to support Trump amid political attacks against her.
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Amy reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writer Jonathan J. Cooper in Phoenix contributed to this report.
