Tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene have escalated into a full-blown public clash, marking a sharp decline in the relationship between Trump and one of his strongest loyalists.
Trump openly attacked Greene on Friday, calling her “wacky” on social media and urging voters to remove her from office in next year’s elections. By Saturday, he had intensified his criticism, labeling her a “traitor.”
Greene, in recent days, has questioned whether Trump still prioritizes the “America First” agenda and has taken aim at his approach to the release of the Jeffrey Epstein documents.
Their dispute comes just as the House prepares to vote on whether the files should be made public. Speaker Mike Johnson has announced that the legislation will be presented for a vote this coming week.
The proposal — the Epstein Files Transparency Act — would require the Justice Department to release all unclassified documents, communications, and investigative materials linked to Epstein.
According to Politico, a vote could take place as early as Tuesday.
On Friday, Trump accused Greene of doing nothing but “complain,” claiming she became hostile after he advised her not to run for governor or senator in Georgia.
He also mocked her for allegedly being upset that he no longer answers her phone calls, saying: “I can’t take a ranting lunatic’s call every day.”
Trump announced he would support any Republican candidate who challenges Greene during next year’s midterm elections. His criticism grew even harsher the following day, when he wrote from Florida:
“Marjorie ‘Traitor’ Green [sic] is a disgrace to our GREAT REPUBLICAN PARTY!”
Meanwhile, Greene has accused Trump of failing to address rising living costs and criticized his recent foreign policy and tariff decisions. Her strongest criticism, however, has been directed at his alleged attempts to influence the handling of the Epstein files.
Her shift is striking, considering she defended Trump through numerous controversies — including the January 6 Capitol riot — and he once fiercely defended her against accusations of spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories.
Greene was also one of only four Republicans who joined Democrats in signing a petition demanding the release of the Epstein documents.
On Friday, she wrote on X that Trump was actively trying to stop GOP lawmakers from supporting the petition, saying:
“He’s coming after me hard to scare other Republicans before next week’s vote.”
She later added that Trump’s public attacks had led to threats against her, claiming:
“He has made me a target… fueled by the most powerful man in the world.”
Greene insisted she does not “serve Donald Trump,” but instead serves her Georgia district and her faith.
Republican strategist Robert Moran said it appears Trump does not want the Epstein files released and is trying to pressure Greene. However, he doubts the feud will damage Trump’s popularity due to the deeply polarized political climate. Moran also predicted that the files will eventually be made public.
Trump has faced long-standing criticism from both parties regarding how he has handled Justice Department documents connected to Epstein. Although the two were once friends, Trump says their relationship ended years before Epstein’s first arrest, and he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
