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Greene defies Trump over Epstein files, calls his 'traitor' label dangerous
Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene doubled down on demands for the public release of all Jeffrey Epstein-related documents Sunday, hours after former President Donald Trump branded her a "traitor" and withdrew his support. In an interview with CNN's State of the Union, Greene accused Trump's rhetoric of fueling political divisions and endangering her safety.
Escalating feud over transparency
The rift between Greene and Trump widened last week after she pushed legislation to compel the Department of Justice to disclose unclassified records tied to Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender. Trump lashed out Friday on Truth Social, calling Greene a "ranting Lunatic" who "COMPLAIN[s]" incessantly-though he avoided direct mention of the Epstein files.
Greene told host Dana Bash the dispute "all comes down to the Epstein files," insisting the public deserves full transparency. "I don't believe rich, powerful people should be protected if they've done anything wrong," she said, while acknowledging that Epstein accusers had told her Trump committed no illegal acts.
House vote looms on disclosure bill
Congress could vote as early as Tuesday on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would mandate the release of investigative materials, communications, and other unclassified documents. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, a co-sponsor, told ABC News up to 100 GOP members might back the measure.
Trump and Epstein were associates in the early 2000s, though Trump claims their relationship soured before Epstein's 2008 conviction. Critics from both parties have questioned Trump's stance on sealing the records, which Greene suggested undermines accountability.
Greene pivots from divisive rhetoric
The Georgia congresswoman-long accused of amplifying extremist rhetoric, including liking a 2019 post advocating violence against Democratic leaders-told Bash she now seeks to "end toxic, dangerous division." She cited her Christian faith and past apologies as evidence of growth, urging Trump to follow suit.
"America needs to come together. I'm leading by example, and I hope President Trump can do the same."
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), CNN interview, Nov. 17, 2025
Background: Trump's Epstein ties
Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing related to Epstein, though court filings from 2016 included a deposition where a woman claimed Trump attended parties with underage girls-a claim Trump's team has vehemently disputed. The DOJ has yet to confirm what, if any, records mention Trump.
