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Washington Reacts: Lawmakers Split Over Marjorie Taylor Greene’s January Resignation

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she will resign from Congress in January, a move that surprised many in Washington. Former President Donald Trump said he was not notified and called the news 'great,' while reactions from lawmakers ranged from sharp criticism to unlikely praise. Democrats accused Greene of hypocrisy and ethical concerns, Republicans offered support for her candor, and observers warned of possible short-term effects on health-care subsidy votes. The resignation highlights broader tensions within the GOP and could affect legislative dynamics in January.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's announcement that she will resign from Congress in January has rippled through Washington, drawing reactions that range from pointed criticism to unexpected praise. The resignation, disclosed in a lengthy statement on Friday, reportedly surprised many — including former President Donald Trump, who said he was not notified in advance.

Trump's reaction

Trump told an ABC News reporter he had not received a heads-up and called the news 'great,' adding that Greene 'should be happy.' He later posted criticism on Truth Social but softened his tone to reporters outside the White House, saying he 'disagreed with her philosophy' while calling her 'a nice person.'

Notable responses

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.): In an Instagram story, Ocasio-Cortez accused Greene of timing her departure to maximize pension benefits and alleged financial misconduct, saying Greene's actions undermined her rhetoric and accusing her of voting to 'gut healthcare' while engaging in self-dealing.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.): Massie posted on X that he was 'very sad for our country but so happy for my friend Marjorie,' praising her candor and urging people to read her resignation statement for its honesty.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas): Crockett wrote on X that Greene's resignation was unexpected and warned about the real consequences of falling out with Trump, saying the threats to those who oppose him 'ARE REAL!'

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.): Speaking on CNN, Swalwell said the immediate legislative implications are uncertain but noted a practical concern: Greene's absence could affect short-term votes on health-care subsidies set to change in January.

Malcolm Kenyatta (Pennsylvania state representative and DNC vice chair): Kenyatta suggested the resignation was connected to recent political maneuvering, referencing the president's public engagement with other Democratic figures and writing on X that Trump's actions contributed to Greene's decision.

Shawn Harris (Georgia Democratic candidate): Harris, who ran against Greene in 2024, said Greene had started addressing local issues like dependable health care and economic growth, but that party leaders rebuffed the shift, which pushed her out of the conversation.

Keith Olbermann (commentator): On X, Olbermann wrote that while he remains critical of Greene, he finds cause for respect and sees the resignation as a sign of personal or political recovery.

David Hogg (activist): Hogg posted a brief reaction on X, writing simply 'See ya!' in response to Greene's video announcement.

What it means

The reactions underscore both intra-party tensions within the Republican Party and immediate questions about near-term legislative math, particularly for health-care subsidies and other votes expected in January. As Washington digests the news, attention will focus on who will succeed Greene and how her departure reshapes the dynamics in closely contested policy debates.

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