In her first interview since announcing her resignation from Congress, GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene stood her ground, expressing her commitment to addressing critical issues that have caused tension with former President Donald Trump. A significant point of contention is her support for the release of all documents related to accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. During an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes,” which aired on Sunday evening, Greene revealed that her actions had incited Trump’s anger, particularly her decision to sign a discharge petition aimed at releasing Epstein’s files.
Greene emphasized her motivations stem from a desire to support the survivors of Epstein’s abuse, stating, “They deserve it. And he was furious with me.” Her advocacy for transparency regarding Epstein’s case has sparked a feud with Trump, who labeled her a “traitor” and threatened to back a GOP challenger for her House seat in the upcoming primary elections. Greene described Trump’s warnings about the potential consequences of making the Justice Department’s Epstein information public, suggesting it could “hurt people.”
This fallout with Trump marks a notable moment in Greene’s political career, particularly as she has also diverged from Republican Party leadership on various issues, including healthcare reform, U.S.-Israel relations, and the Republican response during the recent government shutdown, which lasted 43 days. Greene expressed her belief that many of her colleagues within the GOP are paralyzed by fear of opposing Trump, stating, “I think they’re terrified to step out of line and get a nasty Truth Social post on them.”
While many Republican lawmakers refrain from publicly criticizing Trump, Greene claimed that the sentiments shared behind closed doors would “shock people.” She recounted how her colleagues transitioned from mocking Trump to embracing him, particularly as he gained traction in the 2024 primary race. “They all started, excuse my language, Lesley, kissing his a and decided to put on a MAGA hat for the first time,” she remarked, highlighting the shift in loyalty among GOP members.
In her interview, Greene disclosed alarming statistics about threats against her safety. Since taking office in 2021, her office has reported 773 death threats to Capitol Police, a figure that does not account for online threats to her family or swatting incidents. She indicated that while many of these threats originated from the political left, the dynamics have changed since her fallout with Trump, with threats now increasingly coming from the right. “I got a pipe bomb thrown at my house, and several direct death threats on my son,” she revealed, detailing the severity of the situation.
As Greene prepares for her exit from Congress, she affirmed that she has no intentions of pursuing further political office. “I have zero plans, zero desire to run for president. I would hate the Senate. I’m not running for governor,” she stated, distancing herself from the typical ambitions often seen in politicians. Greene’s resignation and her outspoken stance on controversial issues illustrate the complex dynamics within the GOP and her unwavering commitment to certain causes, despite the political risks involved.