In a surprising turn of events, late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel has found common ground with controversial Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, praising her decision to step down from Congress next January.
The Unlikely Alliance
During his Monday night monologue, Kimmel addressed Greene's Friday announcement that she would be leaving Congress, drawing parallels between her experience with former President Donald Trump and his own recent cancellation following comments about Charlie Kirk's murder. The Georgia lawmaker's resignation comes amid growing attacks from Trump, creating an unexpected moment of agreement between the liberal comedian and the conservative firebrand.
"There's going to be one less puddle of sweat on the floor mat of the congressional gym," Kimmel quipped, adding that "Marjorie Taylor Greene, yet another Trump superfan, learns that loyalty to him goes only one way." This remark cleverly referenced Greene's own statement where she argued that "loyalty should be a two way street and we should be able to vote our conscience and represent our district's interest."
From MAGA Ally to Trump Critic
Greene's political journey has been remarkable. Elected to Congress in 2020 during Trump's unsuccessful re-election campaign, she quickly established herself as one of the most vocal supporters of the MAGA movement. She was among the loudest voices challenging the 2020 election results, repeatedly claiming widespread fraud despite no evidence emerging to support these allegations.
Her loyalty to Trump seemed unwavering until recent months. As recently as January, she introduced legislation to expunge Trump's impeachment following the January 6 Capitol riot. However, the relationship began deteriorating as Greene started contradicting Trump's claims about decreasing prices and criticizing his continued support for Israel's war in Gaza, which she now describes as genocide.
The most significant rupture came over the Jeffrey Epstein files. Greene spent months pushing for the Department of Justice to release the Epstein documents, even as Trump initially resisted these efforts. Though Trump eventually flipped and signed the bill compelling Attorney General Pam Bondi to release the files within 30 days, the damage to their relationship was already done.
The Final Straw and Kimmel's Take
Following Greene's resignation announcement, Trump took to Truth Social to label her a "traitor" and claimed she was leaving because she feared a primary challenger. He had previously withdrawn his support for Greene and pledged to back whichever candidate ran against her.
Kimmel couldn't resist poking fun at the circumstances surrounding Greene's departure video. "I have to say this woman is being attacked from all sides right now — somehow she still had time to put up her Christmas tree, [it's] not even Thanksgiving," he joked about the festive background.
The late-night host also highlighted the irony of Greene's criticisms aligning with liberal viewpoints. "She says Congress is beholden to the super wealthy and ignores the needs of ordinary Americans. She says her party has no plan for healthcare and that the Jeffrey Epstein files are not a hoax as the president claims they are," Kimmel noted before adding, "To which I say, 'Welcome to reality Marj. We're glad to have you here.'"
Greene cited multiple reasons for her decision, including frustration with Washington's "political industrial complex" that she claims uses Americans as "pawns in an endless game of division." She also expressed concern about her "sweet little district" having to "endure a hurtful and hateful primary against me by the President we all fought for" and predicted that "Republicans will likely lose the midterms."
Her final day in Congress will be January 5, 2026, after which she plans to spend more time with her family amid what she describes as constant death threats following her clash with the former president.
Kimmel delivered his final verdict on the situation with characteristic wit: Greene leaving Congress is "Congress's loss" and "Love Island's gain," suggesting the 51-year-old lawmaker might find a new home on the reality TV dating show.
