The political alliance between Donald Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene has spectacularly collapsed, with the former president publicly withdrawing his endorsement of the Georgia congresswoman amid an increasingly bitter dispute over the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The Unravelling of a Political Partnership
Trump announced on Friday that he was ending his support for Greene, describing her as having 'gone Far Left' and become 'a ranting lunatic'. The dramatic falling out centres on Greene's determined efforts to unseal documents that some believe could connect Trump to Epstein's crimes, though the former president has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump declared: 'I am withdrawing my support and Endorsement of "Congresswoman" Marjorie Taylor Greene', claiming their relationship deteriorated after he advised her against running for Senate or Governor based on polling showing her at just 12% support.
The president suggested that Greene's political ambitions were dependent on his endorsement, which he was unwilling to provide. He asserted that he no longer returns her phone calls, stating: 'With 219 Congressmen/women, 53 U.S. Senators, 24 Cabinet Members, almost 200 Countries, and an otherwise normal life to lead, I can't take a ranting Lunatic's call every day.'
Greene Fires Back with Text Evidence
Marjorie Taylor Greene responded forcefully on Saturday, sharing screenshots of text messages she sent to Trump urging him to 'lean in' to former President Bill Clinton's connections to the billionaire paedophile. The messages reveal her strategic advice that Epstein represented 'the spider that wove the web of the deep state'.
In a separate exchange with someone identified as 'NH' - believed to be Trump's assistant Natalie Harp - Greene defended her position, writing: 'Stop ignoring the women. Many of them literally voted for President Trump and say so publicly. Them being raped as teenagers is not a hoax.'
Greene claimed she is now receiving death threats 'fueled and egged on by the most powerful man in the world', adding bitterly: 'The man I supported and helped get elected.'
Republican Party Lines Drawn in Epstein Battle
The feud has exposed significant fractures within the Republican party, with several prominent figures lining up to support Greene for promoting the 'America First' agenda that Trump himself campaigned on in 2024. Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie is now leading the charge to release the Epstein files, securing votes from Trump allies including Greene, Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace, along with all Congressional Democrats.
Heather Mullins, a pro-Trump reporter, expressed confusion at the situation, writing: '[Marjorie Taylor Greene] campaigned for Trump hardcore. I was there. She fought for innocent J6 hostages that were being abused in jail. She fought for election integrity.'
Meanwhile, Republicans from Greene's conservative district have declared their unwavering support. Jim Tully, Republican chair of the district, shared a lengthy letter stating that Greene has their 'full and unwavering support', praising her 'steadfast commitment to the citizens of Northwest Georgia'.
The controversy has also drawn in Trump's Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, with some Republicans blaming her for mishandling the Epstein files situation and demanding her dismissal. Far-right political commentator Ann Vandersteel wrote: 'The MAGA ship is sailing and several of you missed the boat.'
Broader Implications for the MAGA Movement
Liberal commentator Harry Sisson declared the situation evidence that 'MAGA is fractured' and suggested this could be 'the beginning of the end' for Trump's hold over the movement. Libertarian Clint Russell echoed these sentiments, stating: 'It's official. Donald Trump is abandoning MAGA.'
The Epstein files controversy represents just one of several issues dividing the right, with Trump's support of Israel also creating tensions. Candace Owens has repeatedly criticised Trump's handling of Middle East policy, while Tucker Carlson described Israel as 'not allies in any way'.
Greene has joined these criticisms, aligning with far-left figures like Bernie Sanders in describing the war against Hamas in Gaza as a 'genocide' and feuding with prominent Republicans on the issue. She has previously expressed her desire for the president to prioritise domestic issues like healthcare.
In a telling development, Greene has even unveiled a new slogan for the Republican party: 'AFAO', standing for 'America First, America Only', signalling her attempt to claim the mantle of the movement she believes Trump is abandoning.
As the House prepares for next week's vote on releasing the Epstein documents, the political fallout continues to reshape alliances within the Republican party, with Trump's attack on Greene serving as a warning to other potential dissenters.
