WASHINGTON – Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene apologized Wednesday for her past embrace of what she termed “toxic politics,” a shift coinciding with a House vote looming on the release of Jeffrey Epstein‘s files. The apology, delivered on social media, comes as Greene is among a small group of Republicans supporting a discharge petition to force the release of the documents, a move opposed by House Speaker Mike Johnson and the White House.
Greene’s evolution reflects a broader struggle within the Republican party over transparency regarding the Epstein case and its potential implications for prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump. Trump has faced scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein, repeatedly denying knowledge of the financier’s crimes and characterizing their interactions as limited to social circles in Palm Beach, Florida, during the 1990s. Epstein’s mansion was located near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, and reports indicate Epstein was a frequent visitor to the resort for several years.
The discharge petition, a procedural maneuver to bypass House leadership, currently has the support of all House Democrats and four Republicans: Greene, Thomas Massie, Lauren Boebert, and Nancy Mace. The White House and Speaker Johnson have actively lobbied against the release of the Epstein files.
“I regret that I allowed myself to be drawn into the toxic politics that have consumed our country,” Greene stated in a post on X, the platform formerly known as twitter. “I am committed to focusing on delivering results for my constituents and working to unite our party.”
Trump, when questioned about his association with Epstein in 2019, stated, “I knew him like everybody in Palm Beach knew him…I had a falling out with him a long time ago.I don’t think I’ve spoken to him for 15 years. I wasn’t a fan.”
TIME has reached out to the White House for comment.The vote on the discharge petition is expected in the coming days.
