3:04U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) reveals her departure from her office, in this screenshot from a declaration shared on social media, November 21, 2025. Marjorie Taylor Greene Via X/via Reuters
Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene declared Friday she is stepping down from Congress in the upcoming year, commencing Jan. 5, 2026.
The startling development surfaces a week after President Donald Trump rescinded his backing for Greene, one of his most devoted advocates, after she rebuked him and his administration for their handling of the Jeffrey Epstein probe, in addition to other subjects.
Within a four-page declaration unveiling her departure published on X, Greene continually referred to her recent disagreement with Trump.
"Advocating for American women who were violated at 14, trafficked and exploited by wealthy influential men, should not lead to me being labeled a betrayer and menaced by the President of the United States, whom I defended," she stated.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene, R-Ga., center, applauds at a press briefing as the House gears up to vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.J. Scott Applewhite/AP
"I possess excessive self-respect and worth, hold my family too dearly, and do not desire my esteemed district to undergo a damaging and bitter primary against me by the President we all supported, only to struggle and secure my election while Republicans will likely forfeit the midterms," Greene continued.
Greene, who has been serving in the House since 2021, was targeted by Trump last week, when the president communicated he was withdrawing his support for Greene's reelection bid after she disregarded party lines and signed onto a discharge petition compelling a vote to instruct the Department of Justice to release its complete Epstein records — another concern that Greene has promoted from the campaign trail to Capitol Hill lately.
In a social media message Trump termed Greene "a ranting Madman" who has "drifted Far Left." During a subsequent online exchange with Greene over the weekend, he addressed her as "Marjorie 'Traitor' Greene" and indicated he would back a primary contender.
In a video launched Friday alongside her declaration Greene expressed, "My value is not determined by a man, but instead by God."
During a concise phone conversation with ABC News Senior Political Correspondent Rachel Scott on Friday, Trump mentioned Greene's departure is "fantastic news for the nation." He affirmed he has no intentions to converse with her and wishes her the best.
"I perceive it's fantastic news for the nation. It's excellent," the president informed Scott, adding Greene did not provide him with advance notice.
"Nah, it lacks significance, you know? But I deem it's fantastic," he remarked. "I believe she ought to be content.”
U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) reveals her departure from her office, in this screenshot from a declaration shared on social media, November 21, 2025.Marjorie Taylor Greene Via X/via Reuters
The disagreement with Trump served as the apparent ultimate factor for the legislator who came to symbolize the MAGA movement on Capitol Hill — whether it involved contesting Trump's second impeachment following the Jan. 6 Capitol attack or donning a "Make America Great Again" hat at then-President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.
She cautioned in her departure declaration that if she is "disregarded" by the MAGA movement, "then numerous ordinary Americans have been disregarded and substituted as well" — although she did not dismiss a potential return to an elected position sometime in the future.
"When the typical American populace ultimately recognizes and grasps that the Political Industrial Complex of both parties is tearing this nation apart, that not a single elected representative like myself is capable of preventing Washington's machine from steadily demolishing our country, and instead the reality is that they, ordinary Americans, The People, hold the authentic authority over Washington, then I'll remain here by their side to rebuild it," she communicated.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., arrives to a press briefing on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington.Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
Kentucky GOP Rep. Thomas Massie, who has also consistently been in conflict with Trump — and spearheaded the endeavor to compel DOJ to release the Epstein files — responded to Greene's announcement in a message on social media, stating "I'm exceptionally saddened for our country but incredibly delighted for my friend Marjorie."
He appended, "Everyone should peruse her declaration; there’s greater sincerity articulated in these four pages than the majority of politicians will convey in a lifetime."
Republicans presently possess 219 seats, including Greene. House Speaker Mike Johnson is anticipated to acquire a 220th seat on Dec. 2 following a special election in Tennessee. When Greene ultimately departs, Johnson's historically narrow Republican majority will revert to its current alignment, 219 to 213.
Johnson's office did not instantly provide a response to ABC News when questioned whether GOP leaders were granted advance notification of the announcement.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
