U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from Congress on Friday, marking a dramatic political rupture with former President Donald Trump. Her departure, effective January 5, 2026, follows a bitter public feud and narrows the Republican majority in the House of Representatives.
In a video and four-page statement, Greene stated she was resigning to avoid a "hurtful and hateful primary" against a Trump-backed challenger. She expressed a belief that Republicans would likely lose the 2026 midterm elections and she did not want to be in a position to defend Trump from anticipated impeachment proceedings after he "tried to destroy" her. She famously declared, "I refuse to be a 'battered wife' hoping it all goes away and gets better".
President Trump celebrated the resignation, calling it "great news for the country" in comments to ABC News. On Truth Social, he claimed she resigned due to "PLUMMETING Poll Numbers" and repeated his characterization of her as a "traitor".
The resignation culminates a stunning break between two of the most prominent figures in the MAGA movement. Greene was once one of Trump's most vocal and loyal allies, a relationship she detailed in her resignation letter by mentioning her efforts to elect him and her vote against his second impeachment.
The rift widened over several policy disagreements. The most public clash was over Greene's push for the release of government files related to Jeffrey Epstein. She also broke with Trump and the GOP on issues including U.S. involvement in foreign wars, H1-B visas, and what she described as a lack of action on healthcare costs during a government shutdown. Greene defended her stance, writing, "Standing up for American women who were raped at 14, trafficked and used by rich powerful men, should not result in me being called a traitor and threatened by the President of the United States".
Greene's departure has immediate political consequences, reducing the Republican majority in the House at a time when the party's margin is already razor-thin. Her heavily Republican district in Georgia will be filled by a special election to be called by Governor Brian Kemp.
While a person close to Greene stated she is "leaving politics" and looks forward to a more private life, her move has fueled speculation about her future ambitions. Some observers suggest this could position her for a potential presidential run in 2028, while others note she has recently dismissed reports of such plans.