Tensions flare between Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene ahead of Epstein files vote
Disagreements between Donald Trump and Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene have escalated into a public feud, signalling a sharp deterioration in the relationship between the US president and one of his most outspoken allies.
Trump attacked Greene on Friday, calling her “wacky” on social media and suggesting she should be voted out of office next year. By Saturday, he had gone further, labelling her a “traitor.”
In recent days, Greene has openly questioned whether Trump is still prioritising an “America First” agenda and has criticised his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
The clash comes just as the House prepares to decide whether the files should be made public, with Speaker Mike Johnson confirming a vote will take place in the coming week.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act is a proposal that would force the Justice Department to release all unclassified documents, messages, and investigation materials related to Jeffrey Epstein. Politico reported that the House could vote on it as early as Tuesday.
Tensions between Donald Trump and congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene exploded publicly over the issue. On Friday, Trump attacked Greene online, calling her “wacky” and saying she should be voted out of office next year. He also claimed she became angry with him after he advised her not to run for governor or senator in Georgia. Trump added that he no longer answers her calls because he “can’t take a ranting lunatic’s call every day.”
He went further on Saturday, calling her “Marjorie ‘Traitor’ Green [sic]” and saying she is a disgrace to the Republican Party. Trump also promised to support any Republican candidate who challenges her in the 2025 midterm elections.
Greene, meanwhile, has been openly criticizing Trump for days. She says he isn’t doing enough to lower costs for Americans and has questioned his decisions on foreign policy and tariffs. But her biggest complaint is that Trump is not supporting the release of the Epstein files.
This shift is notable because Greene has been one of Trump’s strongest supporters. She defended him through major controversies, including the January 6 Capitol riot, and he previously backed her when she was accused of spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories.
Greene is one of only four House Republicans who joined Democrats to sign a petition demanding the Epstein files be released.
On Friday, she claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that Trump was pressuring other Republicans to stop them from supporting the release of the files. She said Trump’s attacks were meant to scare others before the vote. She also accused him of stirring up threats against her, calling his behavior “shocking.”
Greene insisted she does not serve Trump personally, saying she serves her Georgia district, the American people, and God.
Republican strategist Robert Moran said it’s clear Trump does not want the Epstein files released and is trying to pressure Greene. He added that the feud likely won’t hurt Trump politically because the country is so divided. Moran also believes the files will be released eventually, noting that many of Trump’s supporters want transparency and accountability.
Trump has faced longstanding criticism from both parties over how he handled Justice Department records related to Epstein. Trump and Epstein were once friends, but Trump says they had a falling-out years before Epstein’s 2005 arrest. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing connected to Epstein.
