In a stunning revelation, firebrand Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has alleged that former President Donald Trump explicitly warned her against pushing to publicly identify the clients of the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Greene claims Trump told her his "friends" would get hurt if the list came out.
The Explosive Allegation and the Heated Call
According to an interview with the New York Times Magazine, Greene stated that Trump made the comment, "My friends will get hurt," during a phone call. This conversation reportedly occurred after Greene had vowed to name alleged abusers during a congressional hearing in September. The call was so intense, one of Greene's staffers noted, that Trump was yelling loudly enough for everyone in her office to hear him.
Greene further alleged that during this exchange, Trump also attacked the victims she was advocating for. Following this confrontation, she shifted her strategy and collaborated with Democratic Representative Ro Khanna and Republican Thomas Massie. Together, they managed to advance the release of some documents through the Epstein Files Transparency Act, though the files that emerged were heavily redacted.
A Fractured Alliance and a Bitter Exit
Greene's push for transparency on the Epstein files is cited as a pivotal factor in her dramatic split with Trump, whom she was once a staunch loyalist. She had been demanding action on the matter long before Trump acquiesced to any release, participating in press conferences and championing the relevant legislation. Policy disagreements on issues like H-1B visas, healthcare, and foreign aid further strained their relationship, with Greene accusing Trump of abandoning his "America First" principles.
The feud reached a point of no return when Trump withdrew his endorsement and signaled support for Greene's political rival. Greene labeled this a profound betrayal, stating she was instrumental in helping Trump secure a second term in the White House. Amid this political turmoil, Greene also faced severe personal harassment, including swatting incidents, hoax pizza deliveries, and a bomb-squad response triggered by a threatening email, which she says worsened after the rift with Trump.
Greene had announced in November that she is set to resign from Congress on January 5, 2026, marking an end to a tenure filled with controversies.
Focus on Economy vs. Pursuit of Justice
Speaking on the focus surrounding the Epstein files, Greene questioned the direction of the discourse. "How did all of this end up to a point where it was about releasing files about women who were raped, and not the serious things that I think truly matter about helping to get our economy stabilized again?" she asked.
The vocal 'America First' politician argued that the administration's primary focus should be economic issues. "Help reduce the cost of living, fix the housing market, fix health insurance—for the love of God, what the [expletive] is the matter with these people?" she exclaimed, urging leaders to avoid getting entangled in complex, divisive matters.
The released Epstein documents have so far included names and images of numerous high-profile individuals such as former President Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Britain's Prince Andrew, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Kevin Spacey, Sarah Ferguson, economist Larry Summers, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates. It is crucial to note that their appearance in these records does not imply any criminal conduct, as many entries reflect social or professional connections. Significant portions of the documents remain censored.
Despite her impending departure and the bitter feud, Marjorie Taylor Greene remains one of the most influential political figures in the United States, with a reach that extends beyond traditional party lines.
