A Public Rift Over Epstein Files
In a striking public display of discord, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has openly described former President Donald Trump's recent remarks labelling her as a 'traitor and a lunatic' as deeply hurtful. The Georgia Republican made these comments during an appearance on CNN's State of the Union on Sunday, 3rd September 2025, marking her first interview since Trump withdrew his endorsement.
The core of their disagreement stems from Greene's steadfast support for the Epstein Files Transparency bill. She plans to join a House of Representatives vote later this week demanding the full release of US government documents concerning the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York prison in 2019.
Safety Concerns and a Call for Reconciliation
Greene revealed that the fallout from Trump's withdrawal of support has had serious real-world consequences for her personal security. She stated that on Saturday, she was contacted by private security firms 'with warnings for my safety'.
She expressed particular concern about the word 'traitor', telling CNN, "Those are the types of words used that can radicalize people against me and put my life in danger." In a post on X, she had previously referred to threats being 'fueled and egged on by the most powerful man in the world', a clear reference to Trump.
Despite the harsh words and policy differences—which also extend to foreign policy and domestic priorities like inflation and immigration—Greene struck a conciliatory note. Emphasising her Christian faith, she stated, "I certainly hope that we can make up... one of the most important parts of our faith is forgiveness, and that’s something I’m committed to."
Broader Political Repercussions
This rift, which has been building for months, puts significant pressure on the Trump administration. The upcoming House vote, coupled with the recent release of thousands of documents detailing Epstein's connections to powerful figures like Trump and Steve Bannon, has thrust the issue into the spotlight. Victim advocacy groups are also adding to the demand for transparency.
During the interview, Greene also made a surprising call for an end to 'toxic infighting' in politics. When challenged by anchor Dana Bash on her own history of violent rhetoric towards Democrats, Greene offered an apology: "I’m sorry for taking part in the toxic politics … put down the knives, be kind to one another … I never wanted to cause any harm."
While the Senate is expected to block the Epstein transparency bill, the political drama surrounding this high-profile falling-out between a former president and one of his most loyal allies continues to dominate US political discourse.
