Trump Drops Support for Former Ally Marjorie Taylor Greene

A Dramatic Break Between Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene

President Donald Trump has made a dramatic break with Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her "wacky" and a "traitor" to the GOP. This marks a significant shift from his previous support for Greene, who has increasingly criticized the president and his party's leadership in recent weeks.

In an almost 300-word missive on Truth Social Friday night, Trump stated that Greene "has gone Far Left" and expressed frustration with her constant complaints. He wrote, "All I see 'Wacky' Marjorie do is COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN!" The president also mentioned that he no longer returns her calls, citing his busy schedule with Congress, the Senate, Cabinet members, and international relations.

Trump announced that he is withdrawing his endorsement of Greene and will support a primary challenge against her if the right person runs in her deep-red northern Georgia district. This decision comes after a series of public criticisms from Greene, who has been vocal about her disagreements with both Trump and the Republican leadership.

Greene's Response and Concerns

Greene responded to Trump's criticism on Saturday, stating that she never expected her efforts to release the Epstein files, defend women who were victims of rape, and expose the web of rich powerful elites would lead to such backlash. She emphasized the need for a new way forward, criticizing the political industrial complex for tearing people apart without delivering anything good for the American people.

Greene also highlighted the threats she has received since Trump began openly criticizing her. She noted that aggressive rhetoric from the president has historically led to death threats and convictions of radicalized individuals. This time, however, the rhetoric is directed at her, and she feels it's a dangerous precedent.

Despite the conflict, Greene expressed her continued support for Trump, stating that she has invested too much time and money in his administration. However, she clarified that she does not worship or serve Trump, but instead serves God and the American people.

Escalation of Attacks

On Saturday, Trump escalated his attacks on Greene, labeling her a "disgrace to our GREAT REPUBLICAN PARTY!" He also referred to her as a "Lightweight Congresswoman" and accused her of betraying the Republican Party by turning left. He criticized her performance on the View and labeled her a RINO (Republican In Name Only), suggesting she has always been one.

Support from Epstein Survivors

A group of more than two dozen people identifying as Epstein survivors or family members of survivors released a joint statement Saturday in support of Greene. They thanked her for standing up against the intimidation, silencing, and abuse that Epstein survivors have endured for decades. The group also mentioned that many of them have received death threats, acknowledging it as part of the price of speaking out.

Greene, who first arrived in Congress in 2021, had aligned closely with Trump for years, defending him during his criminal investigations. In a 2023 interview with "60 Minutes," she noted similarities between herself and Trump, citing their shared background in construction and plain-speaking styles.

Recent Criticisms and Clashes

In recent weeks, Greene has regularly criticized Republican congressional leaders, accusing them of not addressing the cost of living and rising health insurance premiums. This has drawn rare praise from Democrats, who have made healthcare a core part of their message in the government shutdown fight.

Greene has also clashed with Trump over the issue of releasing Justice Department records on Jeffrey Epstein. She was one of four House Republicans to sign a petition forcing a vote on the bill, which Trump has urged Republicans to drop. In an interview with "CBS Mornings," Greene called Trump's opposition a "huge miscalculation," arguing he has nothing to hide.

Future Political Tensions

In a recent interview, Greene accused Trump of spending too much time on foreign policy, prompting Trump to claim she has "lost her way." Greene responded by stating she is focused on the American people and makes no apologies for her stance.

Trump also suggested that the Georgia Senate race might be another point of contention between him and Greene. He claimed he discouraged her from running for Senate, citing low poll numbers and lack of support. He stated that she was at 12% and didn't have a chance unless she received his endorsement, which she wasn't likely to get.