Greene Blasts Trump Following Democrat's Upset in Mar-a-Lago District

In a surprising electoral twist, former Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene directed sharp criticism at President Donald Trump following a Democrat's victory in a pivotal Florida statehouse race.

Emily Gregory, a Democrat, triumphed over Trump-backed Republican Jon Maples in a special election for Florida’s House District 87, which encompasses the president’s Mar-a-Lago estate. This seat was previously held by a Republican who had won decisively in 2024.

Greene's reaction to Gregory's win was pointed; she suggested that the Republican Party might face further setbacks in upcoming elections, both this year and in 2028. “Turning your back on your campaign promises, and many disgusting behaviors like calling one of your top allies ‘traitor’ for releasing the Epstein files and refusing to go along with MIGA, apparently has consequences,” she posted on X Wednesday morning. “26 is gone but keep putting Americans last and 28 will be too.”

The tension between Greene and Trump has escalated since their public fallout last year, particularly over the release of the Epstein files. Trump has labeled Greene a “traitor” multiple times since then, leading to her resignation from Congress.

When approached for comment regarding Greene's remarks, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle stated that Greene “quit on her constituents and the America First movement in the middle of her term.” He emphasized, “President Trump is fighting every single day to Make America Great Again – we don’t have time for quitters.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Greene shared another post emphasizing how Democrats have successfully flipped several state legislature seats in special elections over the past year. “I’d also like to remind everyone that when I led the party on the campaign trail fighting for America First in ‘22 and ‘24, all the GOP did was win win win,” she wrote. “But after Trump called me a traitor and said he would destroy me for releasing the Epstein files, I refuse to fight for Trump and the Republican Party that defends the Epstein class, wages pointless foreign wars, and pursues America LAST.”

Greene’s sentiments reflect a broader concern among some Republicans regarding Gregory’s victory as an indicator of potential challenges ahead. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin remarked on Tuesday, “If Democrats can win in Trump’s own backyard, we can win anywhere.” He added that Democrats are gearing up for an aggressive campaign leading into November.

The DNC characterized Gregory’s win as an “earth-shattering victory for Florida Democrats,” especially considering Trump’s previous stronghold in the district during the last election.

Gregory, a newcomer to politics with a background in public health, emphasized her focus on everyday issues rather than Trump during her campaign. “I think my opponent put it front and center, and I focused on the issues that matter most to Florida families,” she stated. “Everyone is feeling the affordability crisis and the last thing that Florida families needed when they’re struggling is $4 gas.”