Marjorie Taylor Greene: From Trump Loyalist to GOP Maverick—What’s Driving Her Breakaway?
Once a steadfast supporter of former President Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene is now increasingly challenging her own party in ways that are turning heads in Washington—and beyond. But here’s where it gets controversial: her recent actions suggest a growing independence that many didn’t expect from someone so closely tied to the MAGA movement.
Earlier this year, when the White House discouraged Greene from pursuing a Senate run in Georgia, she stepped back from that statewide race. Yet, stepping back didn’t mean she was ready to retreat from political battles she deemed important—especially those that put her at odds with fellow Republicans.
Over the last six months, Greene has made headlines by openly disagreeing with Trump and the GOP on several major issues. She criticized the Trump administration’s military strikes on Iran, boldly labeled the conflict in Gaza as a “genocide,” and took the unusual step of signing a petition to force a House vote demanding the Justice Department release files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Most recently, she sided with Democrats in urging an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies during the government shutdown standoff—an issue that has deeply divided her party.
“I’m not some sort of blind follower of the president, and I don’t think anyone should be,” Greene told reporters in a recent interview. “I serve in Congress, which is a separate branch of government. I wasn’t elected by the president or anyone in the White House—I was elected by my district. That’s who I answer to. And I won my primary without Trump’s endorsement, which I think has actually worked in my favor.”
Indeed, Greene secured her first House primary victory in Georgia in 2020 without Trump’s backing, only gaining his support later in the general election in her heavily Republican district.
“So, I get to be independent as a Republican,” she said. “And honestly, I think Trump benefits most when people are honest with him, not just telling him what they think he wants to hear.”
Greene insists that her recent independent streak isn’t new or a reaction to being blocked from the Senate race. She claims this has always been her approach. She also criticized the Republican-led Senate, saying she never really wanted to serve there anyway, despite publicly expressing interest in the past.
“I don’t want to be part of that institution. Look at them—they’re literally the reason the government is shut down right now,” Greene said. “I think good ideas go to die in the Senate, and I certainly don’t want to be there. These criticisms are just attempts to sideline me, but honestly, I don’t care.”
While Greene has often operated solo, her recent behavior has surprised even some of her closest allies. She tried to play the role of a team player, especially under former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s leadership. But over time, she’s grown disillusioned with politics and her own party. According to multiple Republican sources familiar with her thinking, Greene felt particularly slighted after the White House discouraged her Senate bid.
One source close to Greene, who also noted her interest in a homeland security secretary position under Trump, said she was disappointed not to land a role in the Trump administration. Another source, who recently spoke with Greene, said she feels “ignored” by GOP leadership and the White House.
If Greene’s goal was to get Trump’s attention, it seems to have worked. In recent months, Trump reportedly called at least two senior Republicans asking, “What’s going on with Marjorie?” according to GOP insiders.
Despite her growing independence, Greene remains closely aligned with Trump and his base, arguably more so than any other member of Congress. However, her relationship with Trump’s staff is far more strained.
The White House has unsuccessfully pressured Greene to withdraw her name from the Epstein petition. She was particularly angered when an anonymous White House official told reporters that supporting the petition would be considered a “hostile act.” Greene responded by calling that official a “coward” on Real America’s Voice.
In a move that surprised many Republicans, Greene declined an invitation last month to attend the grand opening of Trump’s “Rose Garden Club” at the White House—an exclusive event she would normally have prioritized. Her office said she was feeling unwell, but insiders saw it as a sign of her shifting stance.
Greene also has a tense relationship with current House Speaker Mike Johnson, whom she feels no loyalty toward. Last year, she even tried unsuccessfully to remove him from his position over his support for aid to Ukraine.
Unlike McCarthy, who tried to bring Greene into the fold to manage her influence, Johnson has made no such efforts. Greene, once a pariah for her fiery rhetoric, initially sought to prove herself by playing the insider game. Now, she embraces her role as an outsider.
“I didn’t run for Congress as an establishment Republican,” Greene explained. “I’d never even been to a GOP meeting before running. I’m just an average American who looks at real problems, not party talking points. That gives me a different perspective.”
Her call to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies was grounded in personal experience—she cited her own children to illustrate the harm that could come if Republicans let the subsidies expire. Though she dislikes the law itself, she said she was “disgusted” by the prospect of letting the subsidies lapse and criticized GOP leaders for lacking a plan.
Democrats quickly seized on Greene’s comments to support their position. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer quoted her on the Senate floor, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries displayed her social media post on a poster at a news conference.
At a recent press event, Speaker Johnson dismissed Greene’s criticism, suggesting she wasn’t well-informed on the issue.
“Congresswoman Greene doesn’t serve on the committees that handle these specialized issues, so she’s probably not fully briefed,” Johnson said.
But Greene remains steadfast despite party pushback.
“The truth is, they never talk about it,” she said. “The committees working on health insurance aren’t dealing with it in secret. It’s not a major secret. And Speaker Johnson hasn’t even reached out to discuss my concerns.”
“What frustrates me is that my party has no solution. It’s not a frequent topic, but it’s a real problem for Americans, and we can’t ignore it. I want to fix it.”
With her Senate ambitions shelved and no Trump administration job forthcoming, Greene’s political future is uncertain. She raised $1.3 million in the first half of this year—down from $1.9 million at the same point last year—and currently has $641,000 in cash on hand.
When asked if she plans to run for re-election to the House next year, Greene was clear: “Oh, certainly. I haven’t made any other plans. Honestly, I don’t even think about it. Right now, I’m just frustrated—why aren’t we back at work?”
What do you think? Is Marjorie Taylor Greene’s break from the GOP a sign of genuine independence or political posturing? Could her outsider stance reshape the party, or is it just a temporary phase? Share your thoughts below—this is one debate that’s far from settled.
Melanie Zanona is a Capitol Hill correspondent for NBC News.
Ryan Nobles is chief Capitol Hill correspondent for NBC News.
Kyle Stewart is a producer and off-air reporter covering Congress for NBC News, managing coverage of the House.
