Marjorie Taylor Greene Announces She Is Quitting Congress

Greene Says She Will Resign in Early January

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia Republican whose political identity was once closely tied to defending President Donald Trump, announced that she will resign from Congress on Jan. 5, 2026. Her decision, delivered Friday night in a video and accompanying statement on X, marks an abrupt end to her third term. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Stunning Political Reversal

The resignation underscores a dramatic shift in Greene’s political trajectory—from outspoken Trump ally to one of his most visible critics during his second term. Her announcement comes after months of public clashes over policy, priorities, and transparency. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Greene’s Dramatic Break From Trump

According to NPR, Greene “rose to prominence as one of President Trump's biggest defenders and recently became one of his biggest critics,” a reversal that has reshaped her identity inside the GOP. The White House / Wikimedia

Trigger: The Epstein Files Dispute

One of the most significant flashpoints was Greene’s support for legislation compelling the Department of Justice to release investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump condemned her vote, prompting Greene to escalate her criticism of the president. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Accusations of Misplaced Priorities

Greene also faulted Trump for prioritizing high-profile foreign leader meetings while, in her view, neglecting the needs of Americans at home. It became one of her core critiques of Trump’s second-term agenda and contributed to the deterioration of their political relationship. The White House / Wikimedia

Greene Refuses To Face Trump-Fueled Primary

Greene said she chose to resign rather than subject her district to a bruising primary battle driven by Trump’s opposition. Northwest Georgia is one of the most conservative districts in the nation and has been central to her political base. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Greene Cites “Self-Respect” in Decision to Step Down

“I have too much self respect and dignity, love my family too much, and do not want my sweet district to have to endure a hurtful and hateful primary against me by the President we all fought for,” she wrote, adding that she believes “Republicans will likely lose the midterms.” Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Warning of Possible Trump Impeachment

Greene’s resignation letter also hinted at a grim forecast for the GOP: a Democratic-controlled House after 2026—and another impeachment fight.

She said she would not remain in Congress only to be “expected to defend the President against impeachment after he hatefully dumped tens of millions of dollars against me and tried to destroy me.” Connor Gan / Unsplash

Personal Breaking Point

Greene’s statement described the escalating pressure as untenable. “It’s all so absurd and completely unserious,” she wrote. “I refuse to be a ‘battered wife’ hoping it all goes away and gets better.” Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Part of a Broader Congressional Exodus

Greene’s departure is not happening in isolation. According to NPR, “Greene is one of a record 40 House members and 10 senators” who have indicated they will not return after the 2026 election. The wave includes retirements, office transitions, and members stepping away from public service altogether.

Her exit adds to the perception of an unsettled and shifting Congress amid both internal Republican fractures and party-wide uncertainty heading into the next election cycle. Krisztian Kormos / Pexels

Greene’s Rise and Transformation

First elected in 2020, Greene quickly became one of the House’s most polarizing figures, known for combative rhetoric, loyalty to Trump, and willingness to clash with Republican leadership. But her relationship with Trump deteriorated steadily in recent months as they diverged on agenda, transparency reforms, and party direction.

Her resignation closes a chapter defined by both intense influence and intense controversy. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Greene’s Future Remains Unclear

As for Greene, she has not announced any future plans, leaving open whether she intends to remain in politics, pursue media, or step back from public life. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons