Fragmentation within the MAGA movement - Trump withdraws support from Marjorie Taylor Greene

The internal cohesion of the MAGA movement—central to Donald Trump’s return to the White House a year ago—appears to be weakening.

A dispute over the unreleased Jeffrey Epstein files has now prompted the president to publicly distance himself from one of the faction’s most recognizable figures in Congress.

President Donald Trump announced that he is withdrawing his support from Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had been among his most ardent allies during the campaign. The rupture followed Greene’s criticism of the administration’s decision not to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein despite earlier commitments to do so.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump sharply criticized Greene, labeling her “crazy” and “insane,” and asserting that she had moved “extremely left.” He further stated that he would back an alternative candidate in her upcoming primary, signaling a clear effort to influence the direction of the MAGA-aligned wing of the Republican Party.

Greene, who entered Congress in 2021, has been one of the most visible figures associated with the movement. However, internal disagreements have intensified in recent months, particularly concerning foreign policy.

Points of contention include continued U.S. support for Ukraine, recent military strikes on Iran, and what critics within the movement perceive as Trump’s growing alignment with neoconservative positions championed by figures such as Senator Lindsey Graham. Greene has consistently urged the administration to halt support for Kyiv.

The disagreement over the Epstein files reflects a broader struggle within the movement regarding governance and transparency. Although the White House previously indicated it would release the documents, it has so far declined to do so. Greene has endorsed a legislative initiative aimed at compelling their publication, with a House vote expected next week.

In an interview with CBS, Greene described Trump’s refusal to fulfill his campaign promise to release the files as a “serious misjudgment,” underscoring the widening policy and strategic gaps between the two.

In response to Trump’s criticism, Greene wrote on X that the president is seeking to pressure Republican lawmakers ahead of the vote on the Epstein amendment. She argued that his attacks are intended to “make an example” of her and deter others from supporting the measure.

These developments highlight mounting tensions within the MAGA coalition as it navigates governing responsibilities and evolving internal priorities. The outcome of the forthcoming House vote—and the primary challenge in Greene’s district—may offer further insight into the shifting power dynamics within the movement.