As President Donald Trump’s first year of his second term comes to a close, it is essential to acknowledge that his administration, like those of past presidents, has been embroiled in significant controversy.
At the beginning of his tenure, Trump was lambasted by conservatives and liberals alike over his radical tariff policy, which, fast-forward to the present day, seems to be paying off for the U.S. economy as the president considers sending Americans $2,000 checks in the form of a “dividend.”
At the same time, the president was rebuked by the MAGA base and Democrats for his administration’s delay in releasing the highly anticipated Epstein files, given that Trump had promised such a move throughout the 2024 campaign trail.
Trump went as far as labeling the Epstein scandal a “hoax.” However, this was short-lived as backlash increased.
Trump went on to sign a bill passed by Congress, dubbed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, ordering the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all files relating to the infamous financier.
Amid the Epstein saga and chaos at the White House, Trump clashed with one of his longtime allies and fierce defenders in Congress: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).
According to the Georgia congresswoman, Trump turned on her after she sent him a message emphasizing the need to investigate the Epstein flight logs. She shared a screenshot of her message with the president on X, claiming that such remarks infuriated him.
In the 2024 presidential election, Greene supported Trump and campaigned for him. However, since his inauguration, the Georgia Republican has been an outspoken critic of the president’s administration.
Greene has rebuked Trump over the economy, illegal immigration and the Epstein files.
It appears that Trump’s rift with Greene is spelling trouble for the Republican Party, which is looking to retain control of Congress next year.
NBC’s Decision Desk released a poll showing Trump with a 58% disapproval rating and a 42% approval rating, as the Daily Mail reported.
The survey pointed out that Trump has lost out on 8% support from MAGA Republicans, with such a figure standing at 70%.
In Greene’s home district, Trump has lost out on support from individuals who previously voted for him.
21-year-old Matt Fowler spoke with the Wall Street Journal, where he explained that he finds himself supporting Greene over Trump as of late, claiming that the congresswoman has “stayed the same” while Trump has “changed.”
29-year-old local party chairman MaKray Kyer told the outlet that the party members are “very much still pro-Trump, and for not everyone, but for the most part, pro-Greene.”
According to Greene, her rift with Trump unleashed a wave of death threats against her. As a result, she decided to resign from Congress. Her resignation will take effect on Jan. 5, 2026.
