Marjorie Taylor Greene Apologizes for Her Part in Toxic Politics

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene apologizes for her part in toxic politics during a Nov. 16, 2025, CNN interview — a rare public mea culpa that came amid a high-profile feud with former President Donald Trump and fresh safety concerns tied to public rhetoric.

What she said on CNN

In an interview with Dana Bash on State of the Union (aired Nov. 16, 2025), Greene responded to questions about recent attacks from Trump and her own history of incendiary statements. She said, “I would like to say humbly, I’m sorry for taking part in the toxic politics. It’s very bad for our country.” Greene described the issue as personal and national, adding she has been “working on this a lot lately to put down the knives in politics” and urged more kindness in public life.

She tied part of her shift to the broader climate of political violence and fear, referencing the assassination of commentator Charlie Kirk as a moment that made her reconsider how rhetoric can radicalize people and endanger lives. Greene also said she felt threatened after being publicly called a “traitor” by Trump and reported receiving security warnings.

Why the apology matters

Greene’s apology stands out because she built her national profile on combative, hard-line rhetoric and has repeatedly amplified conspiracy theories and personal attacks in prior years. For a lawmaker with a history of provocative statements to publicly apologize for contributing to “toxic politics” marks a notable moment of self-reflection from a prominent and polarizing figure in the GOP.

The apology also arrived during a sharp public split with Trump. In recent days he withdrew his support, repeatedly criticized her on social platforms, and used harsh nicknames. Greene has said those attacks increased threats against her and helped prompt her comments about toxicity and safety.

Immediate follow-ups and reactions

• Greene’s CNN interview prompted wide media coverage and analysis across cable news and national outlets.
• Many commentators framed the apology as part of a tactical pivot amid escalating political pressure; others called it a genuine — if overdue — acknowledgment of harm.
• Trump publicly reiterated harsh language toward Greene, a dynamic that she said contributed to the safety concerns she described on air.

Where this fits in Greene’s recent record

• In November 2025 Greene pushed for release of Justice Department files tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case, joining a small bipartisan push in the House that put her at odds with some Republican leaders.
• Her criticisms of party figures and certain Trump positions preceded the public rift; the apology followed that escalation and the surge in hostile online attention she reported.

Timeline (select recent events)

• Nov. 15–17, 2025: Public clashes between Greene and Donald Trump intensified; Trump used sharp language on social platforms.
• Nov. 16, 2025: Greene sat for a CNN interview with Dana Bash and apologized for “taking part in the toxic politics,” citing concerns about rhetoric and safety.
• Nov. 21–22, 2025: The unfolding feud and other developments led to additional headlines about Greene’s standing in the GOP and her future plans.

What Greene pledged

During the interview Greene said she intended to change her behavior, emphasizing personal responsibility for words and actions. She described a desire to “put down the knives in politics” and to model a less corrosive style of public discourse. Greene framed the apology as part of her Christian faith and a broader effort to reduce political violence and division.

Questions the apology raises

• Will Greene’s apology change how she speaks and acts publicly, or is it primarily a response to political pressure?
• How will the Republican Party and Trump supporters react over time — with forgiveness, skepticism, or political retribution?
• Can shifts by a high-profile partisan figure meaningfully reduce political toxicity when broader incentives on both sides reward polarizing rhetoric?

Quick facts

• Date of apology interview: Nov. 16, 2025 (CNN State of the Union with Dana Bash).
• Exact phrasing she used on air: “I would like to say humbly, I’m sorry for taking part in the toxic politics.”
• Context: apology came amid a public falling out with former President Trump and after Greene said she received security warnings tied to heated online rhetoric.

What to watch next

• Whether Greene follows up with concrete changes in public messaging or actions in the House.
• How Trump and his base respond in coming days and whether party leaders press for reconciliation or political consequences.
• Any shifts in security assessments for Greene or other lawmakers tied to heightened partisan attacks.

Greene’s apology for participating in “toxic politics” is a short, plain statement — but it arrives at a moment when the limits and dangers of polarized rhetoric are under scrutiny across Washington. Whether this moment produces a lasting change in tone or simply becomes another chapter in a contentious political career remains to be seen.

Share your thoughts below or follow developments to see whether this apology leads to sustained change.