Marjorie Taylor Greene apologizes for ‘toxic politics’ after being confronted on Trump's rhetoric

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) issued an apology on Sunday, November 16, during a CNN interview, acknowledging her role in escalating toxic political rhetoric after anchor Dana Bash confronted her over her past attacks and her silence when President Donald Trump used similar language against others. 

The congresswoman said recent events, including the tragic killing of Charlie Kirk, had pushed her to reflect on her behavior and commit to “put down the knives in politics.”

Marjorie Taylor Greene accepts 'fair criticism' for taking part in 'toxic politics'

During the interview on 'State of the Union', Dana Bash noted that Marjorie Taylor Greene had spoken out only after Donald Trump turned his rhetoric on her, calling her a traitor, even though he had used similar attacks on political opponents for years.

“I think that’s fair criticism,” Greene responded. “And I would like to say humbly I’m sorry for taking part in the toxic politics. It’s very bad for our country. It’s something I’ve thought about a lot, especially since Charlie Kirk was assassinated… I am committed… to put down the knives in politics. I really just want to see people be kind to one another.”

The Georgia politician said Americans share “far more in common than differences” and called for a new political path that prioritizes unity.

Dana Bash presses Marjorie Taylor Greene on her past posts and rhetoric

Dana Bash then questioned Marjorie Taylor Greene about previous inflammatory comments, including a 2020 Facebook post showing her with a gun next to members of “the Squad” and her past engagement with posts calling for the execution of Democratic figures.

“So, just to put a button on this, you regret the things that you have said and posted in the past?” Bash asked.

Greene reiterated that she addressed those issues in 2021 and said, “I never want to cause any harm or anything bad for anyone… I very much stand by my words I said then. And I stand by my words today. I think America needs to come together and end all the toxic, dangerous rhetoric and divide.”

Marjorie Taylor Greene distances herself from Nick Fuentes but defends Tucker Carlson interview

After Dana Bash played a clip of Nick Fuentes claiming Marjorie Taylor Greene “lied” about not knowing him, the congresswoman insisted her statements were accurate.

“I did speak at his conference back in 2022,” she said. “However, I don’t know Nick Fuentes, that was the first time I had met him that day, and that was it.”

Greene said she “admire[s]” Carlson for interviewing a wide range of guests and exposing “powerful information.”

Bash contrasted Greene’s call for lowering rhetoric with Fuentes’ long record of antisemitic statements, including Holocaust denial, praise of Hitler, and attacks on “organized Jewry.” “There’s free speech, and then there’s just hateful language and sentiments,” the CNN host said.

Greene responded by reiterating her new focus, “I’m committed to ending the toxic politics… I myself am not antisemitic. I have never criticized the Jewish people or said anything about them in particular. I am critical of the government of Israel… and I think that needs to be the focus.”

Bash noted Greene had previously posted content containing antisemitic tropes, but acknowledged the Republican congresswoman had addressed them before.