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Trump severs ties with Marjorie Taylor Greene, urges GOP challenger
Former President Donald Trump announced Friday he has withdrawn all support for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a once-steadfast ally, accusing her of shifting "far left" and calling for her defeat in next year's Republican primary. The rupture follows Greene's criticism of Trump's foreign policy priorities and his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case files.
Public feud escalates over Epstein files and policy clashes
In a nearly 300-word social media post, Trump labeled Greene a "ranting Lunatic" and claimed she had grown upset after he discouraged her from pursuing higher office. "All I see 'Wacky' Marjorie do is COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN!" he wrote while traveling to Florida. He added that voters in Georgia's 14th District "are fed up with her and her antics" and pledged "Complete and Unyielding Support" to any Republican challenger.
Greene fired back on X, accusing Trump of targeting her to intimidate other Republicans ahead of a vote to release sealed Epstein documents. "He's coming after me hard to make an example to scare all the other Republicans," she posted, calling his efforts "astonishing." Earlier Friday, she told CBS News her stance was about supporting Epstein's victims: "I truly just stand with the women, and I think they deserve to be the ones that we're fighting for."
Epstein files divide Republicans
Greene is among four House Republicans-alongside Nancy Mace, Lauren Boebert, and Thomas Massie-who joined Democrats in a discharge petition demanding the release of the Epstein files. Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing tied to his past association with Epstein, has faced bipartisan scrutiny over his administration's handling of the case. He claims their friendship ended in the early 2000s, years before Epstein's first arrest.
The files, long sought by Epstein's accusers, could reveal details about his associates. Greene's push for transparency has strained her relationship with Trump, who has not addressed the files' contents but opposed their release. His Friday post marked the first time he publicly urged her removal from Congress.
Broader policy rifts emerge
Beyond the Epstein dispute, Greene has recently criticized Trump's approach to economic issues, including tariffs and inflation, as well as his involvement in foreign conflicts. Her shift reflects growing tensions between Trump and the GOP's far-right flank, which has increasingly questioned his commitment to "America First" policies.
Trump's attack on Greene-once a vocal defender-signals a potential realignment within the party as the 2026 midterms approach. Political analysts note the feud could embolden other Republicans to distance themselves from Trump's agenda, particularly on issues where his base shows signs of fracture.
"She has told many people that she is upset that I don't return her phone calls anymore. I can't take a ranting Lunatic's call every day."
Donald Trump, via social media
