Quick Read
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized Trump’s $40 billion bailout to Argentina, calling it harmful to American cattle ranchers.
- Greene questioned U.S. foreign policy moves in the Middle East and the impact of tariffs on American farmers.
- She challenged Congressional leadership and called for more transparency on the Jeffrey Epstein files.
- Greene’s comments highlight divisions within the Republican Party over domestic and foreign priorities.
Greene Takes Aim at Trump’s Argentina Bailout
When Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared on The Tucker Carlson Show this week, she didn’t hold back. The Georgia Republican, known for her fiery rhetoric, took direct aim at former President Donald Trump’s $40 billion bailout to Argentina—calling it “one of the grossest things I’ve ever seen.” Her frustration was palpable. Greene argued that the move, paired with a quadrupling of Argentine beef imports, undercuts American cattle ranchers. “It’s a punch in the gut to all of our American cattle ranchers, and they are furious and rightfully so,” she said.
Greene’s criticism was not just about the bailout itself, but the bigger picture. “I can’t think of a country that’s further away from the United States of America than Argentina,” she remarked. “It’s literally at the bottom of South America in the Southern Hemisphere, and we’re all the way at the top. I don’t know how that’s ‘America first.’”
Trump, in response, took to social media to defend his position, claiming American ranchers should be thankful: “If it weren’t for me, they would be doing just as they’ve done for the past 20 years — Terrible!” Yet Greene wasn’t convinced, and her skepticism reflected a growing unease among some conservative circles about the direction of U.S. economic and foreign policy.
Economic Fallout for U.S. Ranchers and Farmers
The economic impact of the Argentina bailout and the change in beef import policy has not gone unnoticed. Greene pointed out that Trump’s tariffs, intended to protect American farmers, have instead “destroyed U.S. soybean sales to China,” opening the door for Argentine producers to fill the gap. The ripple effect, she argued, is hurting American farmers and ranchers who are already struggling with high costs and an unpredictable market.
“People are hurting here at home,” Greene said. “Food prices are high, rent is high, home prices are ridiculously high, cars are high, auto insurance, home insurance, health insurance is insane, energy prices are high … much more expensive than they were even a year ago.” Her comments echo the concerns of many Americans facing inflation and uncertainty in their daily lives.
The $40 billion bailout is not just a number on a page. For ranchers in states like Texas, Nebraska, and Greene’s own Georgia district, it feels like a direct challenge to their livelihoods. The influx of cheaper Argentine beef could mean lower prices for American producers—and potentially, less profit.
Foreign Policy and Middle East Entanglements
Greene’s critique extended beyond economics. She questioned the logic of what she described as America’s “bizarre embrace of foreign entanglements” under Trump. In a moment of candor, she joked with Carlson, “Fox News and everyone tells me that Houthis are the most dangerous people on the planet and I literally can’t find a Houthi in my district.”
Her skepticism continued as she discussed U.S. military action in the Middle East. Greene noted that after the U.S. bombed Iran on behalf of Israel, “hell was not unleashed like we were told it was going to be.” She suggested that the constant warnings about threats from Iran and other actors might be exaggerated, framing them as part of a narrative that keeps America involved in distant conflicts.
“We didn’t see a single bomb fall on our heads, on our neighborhoods, on our homes. We didn’t see anything happen here like has happened to Gaza now for months and months and months. We didn’t see children and toddlers being blown to pieces. We didn’t hear about these horror stories … but this is a lie that we’re constantly told over and over and over again, that we have to hate these people in the Middle East, that we have to hate these foreign countries.”
Domestic Priorities and Political Pushback
Greene’s comments weren’t just aimed at Trump. She took a swipe at other Republicans in Washington, accusing them of “hijacking” Trump’s movement and turning it into “everything that we hate.” Her frustration with the political establishment was evident, and she called for House Speaker Mike Johnson to call Congress back to order. Greene repeated her demand for the Justice Department to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, an issue she says is being deliberately avoided.
Her stance on foreign aid, particularly to Israel, also sparked controversy. “Why are we considered hateful and antisemitic if we don’t want to pay for Israel’s wars constantly?” she asked. “That doesn’t make us antisemitic and hateful. We want our money to stay here at home.”
Yet, it’s worth noting that Greene herself has a history of fueling antisemitic tropes, including her infamous suggestion in 2018 that a prominent Jewish family started a wildfire in California via lasers beamed from space—a claim widely condemned and debunked.
Greene’s Role in Republican Turmoil
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s outspoken style continues to make waves in the Republican Party. Her criticism of Trump, the party’s foreign policy, and Congressional leadership signals a growing divide within conservative ranks. Some, like Senator Ted Cruz, have publicly clashed with Greene over her “suicidal” social media posts and her push for transparency around the Epstein client list.
Meanwhile, Greene has found unlikely allies. Senator Bernie Sanders recently called her a “good” Republican, a statement that raised eyebrows given their stark ideological differences. Greene’s willingness to call the Gaza crisis a “genocide” also marks a rare departure from the party line, making her a lightning rod for both criticism and support.
As Greene continues to challenge the status quo, her influence within the party—and her ability to shape the national conversation—remains a subject of intense debate.
Greene’s vocal criticism of Trump’s economic and foreign policy decisions reflects a broader tension within the Republican Party. Her willingness to confront leadership and question long-held assumptions marks a shift toward more populist, domestically focused priorities. Whether her stance will translate into real change remains to be seen, but her persistent questioning is forcing uncomfortable conversations about what “America first” truly means in practice.