Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican of Georgia, reportedly offered rare bipartisan praise Thursday for former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, commending the California lawmaker’s effectiveness in advancing her party’s agenda even as she urged a new generation of leaders to take the reins in Washington.
Pelosi announced earlier in the day that she will not seek reelection, bringing to a close nearly four decades in Congress and one of the most influential careers in modern Democratic politics.
The longtime San Francisco representative, who twice served as Speaker of the House, has been both admired and reviled for her ability to marshal votes and maintain party discipline — traits that even some of her fiercest critics have acknowledged.
Appearing on CNN’s The Situation Room, Greene, a vocal conservative known for her sharp criticisms of Democratic leadership, set aside partisanship to acknowledge Pelosi’s political acumen. “I will praise Nancy Pelosi,” Greene said. “She had an incredible career for her party. I served under her speakership in my first term of Congress, and I’m very impressed at her ability to get things done. I wish we could get things done for our party like Nancy Pelosi was able to deliver for her party.”
The Georgia congresswoman went on to express respect for Pelosi’s longevity in public life while encouraging lawmakers to consider stepping aside earlier. “So I wish her well in her retirement,” Greene said, “but I would like to see people exit Washington a lot sooner rather than wait until their 80s.”
Pelosi’s announcement marks the end of an era for House Democrats, whose caucus has long been shaped by her strategic hand. Her leadership defined several turbulent chapters in American politics — including two impeachments of President Donald Trump and the partisan battles that dominated much of his first term.
Pelosi became a symbol of Democratic resistance to Trump, most memorably in 2020 when she tore up his State of the Union address on live television. Their feud, personal and political, continued for years. In recent weeks, Pelosi referred to Trump as “a vile creature,” while Trump has repeatedly derided her as “Crazy Nancy.”
On Thursday, Trump himself reacted to the news of Pelosi’s retirement with a mix of relief and characteristic bluntness. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he called her decision “a great service to the country,” describing Pelosi as “an evil woman” and “a tremendous liability” who “did a poor job and cost the country a lot in damages and reputation.”
While few Republicans shared Greene’s tone of praise, her comments reflected a rare acknowledgment from the right of Pelosi’s political skill — even as conservatives argue that her legacy has left Washington more divided and distrustful.
Pelosi’s departure, coming amid broader generational shifts in both parties, leaves Democrats to redefine their identity without the figure who dominated their leadership for nearly two decades. For Republicans like Greene, her exit may close one of the most combative chapters in congressional history — even as it serves as a reminder of how power, once gained, can reshape a party for years to come.
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