WASHINGTON, Nov 16 (BBC): A deep rift has emerged between US President Donald Trump and Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, ending years of close political alignment. Their disagreements, which began privately, have now escalated into a public and bitter feud.
Trump Calls Greene “Wacky” and a “Traitor”
On Friday, Trump attacked Greene on social media, calling her “wacky” and urging voters to remove her from office in next year’s elections.
He intensified his criticism on Saturday, calling her a “traitor” in another post from his residence in Florida.
Trump claimed that Greene was angry because he advised her not to run for governor or senator in Georgia. He said she repeatedly tried to contact him but he stopped taking her calls, adding, “I can’t take a ranting lunatic’s call every day.”
Greene Criticises Trump Over Epstein Files and Policy Decisions
Greene has recently questioned whether Trump still prioritises his “America First” agenda.
She criticised his approach to foreign conflicts, tariff decisions and rising living costs. However, her strongest disagreements focus on the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The House is preparing to vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would force the US Justice Department to release unclassified records linked to Epstein.
Greene is one of only four Republicans who joined Democrats in signing a petition demanding the files be made public.
Bitter Exchange Over Epstein Files Vote
Greene accused Trump of pressuring Republicans to block the release of the documents.
“He’s coming after me hard to scare other Republicans before next week’s vote,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
She added that Trump’s attacks had made her a target for threats “fueled and egged on by the most powerful man in the world.”
Greene wrote, “I don’t worship Donald Trump. I worship God. I serve my district and the American people.”
Former Allies Turn Against Each Other
The dispute marks a dramatic shift in their relationship. Greene remained loyal to Trump during major controversies, including the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021.
Trump also defended her when she faced backlash for promoting conspiracy theories.
Now, Greene says his aggression toward her is “shocking” given her history of supporting his legislative agenda.
Analysts Say Feud Unlikely to Hurt Trump
Former Republican strategist Robert Moran said Trump is clearly trying to block the release of the Epstein files.
He said the feud is unlikely to damage Trump politically because voter groups remain deeply polarised.
However, he noted that many Republican voters support releasing the documents because they distrust powerful institutions and want transparency.
Trump’s Longstanding Ties to Epstein
Trump has faced criticism for years over his past connection to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender.
Trump says he ended his relationship with Epstein in the early 2000s and denies any wrongdoing.
This news was originally published by BBC.