One of Donald Trump’s most loyal supporters breaks ranks, igniting a fierce war of words over the direction of the MAGA movement.
In a stunning political rupture, US President Donald Trump has withdrawn his endorsement of Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, marking the most significant fracture within the MAGA movement during his second term.
The breakdown of their once-ironclad alliance has sent shockwaves through Republican circles, with the pair trading increasingly personal attacks over social media and in television interviews throughout the weekend.
From Staunchest Ally to ‘Traitor’
Trump announced on Friday that he was officially rescinding his endorsement of Greene and attacking her in personal terms, calling her “Wacky Marjorie” and suggesting he would back a primary challenger against her in the 2026 midterm elections.
By Saturday, Trump escalated his rhetoric further, labelling Greene a “traitor” in a social media post that the congresswoman says has put her life in danger.
Greene, who once greeted Trump at Congress wearing a red baseball cap emblazoned with “Trump was right about everything,” has transformed from devoted ally to vocal critic in a matter of months.
The Breaking Point: Epstein Files
When asked what caused the rift, Greene pointed to the battle over releasing documents tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying, “Unfortunately, it has all come down to the Epstein files, and that is shocking”.
Greene was among just four House Republicans who joined Democrats in signing a discharge petition to force a vote on releasing Justice Department documents related to Epstein, who maintained social connections with Trump in the 1990s and 2000s before their relationship soured.
The House is set to vote on the matter this week, with Republican Representative Thomas Massie warning colleagues on Sunday that voting against transparency would haunt their political careers long after Trump’s presidency ends.
‘Not America First’: Policy Disputes Mount
Beyond the Epstein controversy, Greene has increasingly criticised Trump’s focus on foreign policy over domestic concerns.
“Those are not America first positions,” Greene said on Sunday, voicing displeasure at Trump’s frequent foreign trips and his recent defence of the H-1B visa program, which allows companies to sponsor foreign workers for skilled labour positions.
The Georgia representative has accused the administration of prioritising international relations while Americans struggle with rising costs of living. She has been particularly critical of US military support for Israel’s operations in Gaza and what she characterises as endless foreign aid spending.
Greene stated that Trump’s policies represent “not America first positions” and criticised his continuing travel around the world as unhelpful to Americans at home.
Safety Concerns and Apologies
Greene revealed on Saturday that she’s facing threats, saying she has been contacted by private security firms with warnings about her safety as threats against her are “being fueled and egged on by the most powerful man in the world”.
In a notable moment during her CNN interview on Sunday, Greene addressed her own history of inflammatory rhetoric. When questioned about her 2020 post showing a gun alongside progressive Democratic congresswomen, Greene apologised, saying “I think that’s fair criticism” and “I would like to say humbly I’m sorry for taking part and the toxic politics”.
Local Support Remains
Despite the national furore, Greene retains backing from her local Republican leadership in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District.
District Chairman Jim Tully posted on Facebook that “Recent national criticism directed at Congresswoman Greene does not change the fundamental truth that she serves at the direction of the people of this district”, praising her service with “clarity, resolve, and integrity”.
Implications for the MAGA Movement
The feud represents more than a personal falling-out between two political figures. It signals emerging tensions within the Republican Party about the future direction of Trump’s populist movement, particularly as the party looks ahead to the 2026 midterms and the eventual end of Trump’s presidency.
Greene has positioned herself as a torchbearer for what she considers the authentic “America First” agenda, suggesting the president has drifted from the promises that powered his political rise.
Political analysts note that while Trump has successfully quashed previous challenges to his authority within the party, Greene shows no signs of backing down, making this the most notable Republican rift of his second term.
The coming weeks will test whether Trump’s influence remains absolute within the party, or whether cracks are beginning to show in what has been one of the most dominant political coalitions in modern American history.
