U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced Friday that she will resign from the House of Representatives, citing a falling out with former President Donald Trump and a desire to avoid a contentious primary. Greene, a Republican from Georgia and once a close Trump ally, said she refused to be a “battered wife” in the increasingly fraught political environment. Her resignation is set to take effect on January 5.
In a social media video, Greene explained that the prospect of facing a Trump-backed challenger, along with a likely Democratic takeover of the House in next year’s midterms, motivated her decision. She criticized Congress for being largely “sidelined” since Trump returned to the presidency and lamented the struggles of ordinary Americans with rising costs of living, housing, and other economic pressures.
The dispute between Greene and Trump escalated over her vote to release government files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which Trump opposed. He subsequently labeled her a “traitor” and “disgrace” to the Republican Party, withdrawing his support and criticizing her as a “ranting lunatic.” Greene defended her actions, saying she stood up for American women exploited by powerful men and that loyalty in politics should be mutual.
Greene’s departure narrows the Republican majority in the House to 218 members over the Democrats’ 213. Her exit also raised concerns among Republicans that Trump’s “Make America Great Again” base could fracture ahead of the midterms. Several political allies and critics alike praised Greene for prioritizing principles over party pressure, including Representative Thomas Massie and former House member Barbara Comstock.
Reflecting on her conservative record, Greene emphasized that ordinary Americans are often “cast aside” by political elites and expressed pride in her independent stance. While residents of her northwest Georgia district hoped for reconciliation between Greene and Trump, she signaled she had no interest in competing against a Trump-backed opponent, citing the absurdity of defending Trump while serving in a likely House minority.