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Marjorie Taylor Greene resigns from Congress amid Trump feud
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) will exit Congress on January 5, 2026, following a public rupture with former President Donald Trump and months of escalating tensions over policy disputes and the release of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files. The abrupt departure of the 51-year-old firebrand, once a staunch Trump ally, has sparked speculation about her political future-including potential runs for Georgia governor, U.S. Senate, or even the 2028 presidency.
The breaking point with Trump
Greene's resignation caps a bitter feud with Trump, who called her a "traitor" last week and vowed to back her primary challenger in next year's election. The final straw appeared to be her defiance of Trump's opposition to releasing documents tied to the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Greene co-sponsored a bill with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna to force their disclosure, directly challenging the former president's stance.
Trump publicly mocked Greene's electoral prospects in a social media post, claiming internal polling showed her at just 12% support in hypothetical races for Senate or governor-"unless, of course, she had my Endorsement, which she wasn't about to get!" Political scientists, like Kennesaw State University's Kerwin Swint, agree Greene's appeal remains limited beyond her northwest Georgia district, where she'd likely "get obliterated" statewide.
2028 presidential rumors-denied, for now
Within hours of her announcement, speculation swirled that Greene might pivot to a 2028 White House bid. Time magazine reported she had "privately told allies" she was considering a run, but Greene dismissed the claim as a "complete lie" on social media. "I'm not running for President and never said I wanted to," she wrote, though she acknowledged laughing off past suggestions. Analysts note such denials are common in U.S. politics-former President Lyndon B. Johnson, for instance, repeatedly ruled out a 1960 run before launching his campaign.
Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, her unlikely ally on the Epstein files, told NBC News that Greene remains "a formidable 2028 candidate" who connects with Trump's base better than Vice President JD Vance. "She's more in touch with the MAGA movement than almost anyone," Khanna said, highlighting her grassroots influence despite her shrinking ties to party leadership.
Georgia's 2026 races: Governor or Senate?
Greene has left the door open for two high-profile Georgia contests in 2026. Term limits prevent two-time Republican Governor Brian Kemp from seeking re-election, creating a vacuum Greene could fill. Alternatively, she might challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, whose seat is up for grabs. Trump himself referenced these options in his public spat with Greene, citing her weak polling in both races.
Swint, the political scientist, doubts Greene would risk a statewide campaign. "She's polarizing even within the GOP," he said. "Her best path might be leveraging her media savvy-podcasts, commentary-to stay relevant without the vulnerabilities of elected office."
Life after Congress: Media, family, or business?
In her 10-minute resignation video, Greene hinted at prioritizing family time, lamenting the "precious moments" lost amid "never-ending personal attacks and threats"-which she said intensified after her split with Trump. She also owns Taylor Commercial, a construction firm she acquired in 2002 that has managed over $250 million in projects, per her website.
Observers like Swint predict she'll follow the playbook of other departed lawmakers, such as former Rep. Matt Gaetz (now a podcaster) or California Governor Gavin Newsom (who hosts a side podcast). Conservative commentator Megan McCain joked on X that Greene's next stop could be ABC's The View, where she recently appeared as a guest. "I knew she was going to be the next co-host!" McCain wrote.
"Most politicians have a big enough ego that they look in the mirror and see a future president. So it's not out of the question."
Kerwin Swint, Kennesaw State University political science professor
Key dates ahead
- January 5, 2026: Greene's resignation takes effect.
- 2026: Georgia gubernatorial and Senate elections (potential Greene races).
- 2028: Next U.S. presidential election (Greene denies interest, but speculation persists).
