MTG calls Trump a ‘traitor’ over Epstein Files, says his staff made him ‘look like a fool’

The Georgia Republican, one of Trump's most loyal allies for years, stunned many conservatives by using unusually harsh language
The congresswoman went so far as to describe the situation as a betrayal of expectations held by many Trump voters (Getty Images)
The congresswoman went so far as to describe the situation as a betrayal of expectations held by many Trump voters (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has escalated her criticism of President Donald Trump's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files controversy, accusing the administration of betraying supporters' expectations and suggesting the president is being undermined by people around him.

The Georgia Republican, one of Trump's most loyal allies for years, stunned many conservatives by using unusually harsh language to describe the administration's response to demands for greater transparency surrounding the Epstein investigation.

Greene blasts Epstein response and questions administration strategy

Speaking during a series of public remarks with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Greene argued that voters expected more disclosure regarding the Epstein files and warned that the administration's handling of the issue was damaging trust among supporters.



Collins asked Greene about another of the book’s claims: that White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, the vice president, and a slew of Trump’s other top staff met in the Situation Room to discuss Epstein.

“Well, unfortunately, that’s not news to me,” said Greene.

“I’m not surprised by this news, Caitlin, because I also had a very uncomfortable phone call with the president before the release of the Epstein files, where he told me that his friends would get hurt if the files were released. And I’ll never forget that.”

She continued, calling out Trump for calling her a “traitor,” and claiming that those who tried to stop the release of the Epstein files were the true traitors. When Collins asked Greene to clarify whether she meant that Trump himself was a traitor, Greene said she did.

Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) speaks to reporters while arriving at the Capitol Hill Club for a meeting of the House Republican Conference on March 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. Republicans are meeting as the Trump administration faces blowback after defense plans were posted to a group chat that accidentally included a prominent journalist. (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images)
Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) speaks to reporters while arriving at the Capitol Hill Club for a meeting of the House Republican Conference on March 25, 2025, in Washington, DC (Al Drago/Getty Images)

While Greene stopped short of withdrawing support for Trump himself, she sharply criticized the approach taken by the administration and suggested that key decisions surrounding the issue had alienated parts of the president's base.

'Shame on his team': Greene points blame beyond Trump

Despite her criticism, Greene largely directed blame toward the president's advisers and staff rather than Trump personally. In one of her strongest statements, she argued that those surrounding the president were making him appear disconnected from the expectations of his supporters.

“What is remarkable to me is that this administration, people that we voted for, demanding transparency, the man that campaigned all over the country claiming that he would be the one to drain the swamp, is the very man that fought to keep the Epstein files from being released.”

“And then he, in turn, called me the traitor because I fought to release the Epstein files.”

DALLAS, GA - OCTOBER 15: Georgia Republican House candidate Marjorie Taylor Greene endorses Sen. Kel
Greene argued that voters expected more disclosure regarding the Epstein files and warned that the administration's handling of the issue was damaging trust among supporters (Getty Images)

Greene blamed a lot of the fallout on Trump’s staffing, claiming it was their job to be “showing him his previous videos.”

Collins pressed Greene on whether she believed Trump remembered promising there would not be conflict, to which Greene replied that it was his team’s job to inform him of his previous statements.

“His team, his staff, who are supposed to help the president, advise the president, and make sure that he is truthful and honest and transparent with the American people."

“Shame on his team for not showing him those videos of what he said and what he promised to the American people, because it’s making him look like a fool."

President Donald Trump signs a bill funding immigration enforcement in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump signs a bill funding immigration enforcement in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

For now, Greene's criticism represents one of the clearest signs of internal GOP frustration over the Epstein controversy, a rare moment in which one of Trump's most outspoken allies has publicly broken ranks and demanded answers.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

AOC said lawmakers' months-long absences without public explanation are 'not normal' and called for greater transparency in Congress
6 hours ago
Mike Huckabee said Ro Khanna’s team failed to notify the US Embassy before entering a restricted Israeli-controlled area
6 hours ago
Mike Johnson said the Pentagon needs over $350 billion more to fight communism at home and confront 'tyrants' abroad
6 hours ago
The measure has gained support from lawmakers in both parties, as well as Trump, who has repeatedly called for an end to seasonal clock changes
8 hours ago
Last year, Elon Musk's America PAC awarded $1 million checks to three Wisconsin voters who signed a petition opposing what it called 'activist judges'
10 hours ago
Donald Trump's threat to target Iran's infrastructure drew scrutiny, echoing his earlier ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz
11 hours ago
Darline Graham was sworn in to fill the Senate seat left vacant by her brother's death, becoming the first woman to represent South Carolina
18 hours ago
Recently disclosed documents suggest communications involving dozens of lawmakers were reviewed during the probe
18 hours ago
The president urged Israel to begin redeploying forces, warning that a prolonged military presence in neighboring territories could inflame tensions
19 hours ago
The president said White House physicians concluded the senator most likely died from a rare inherited condition, rejecting speculation of foul play
20 hours ago