What happens next for Marjorie Taylor Greene after exit from Congress?

Marjorie Taylor Greene's five years in Congress will end early on Jan. 5 after she unexpectedly announced her resignation following a bitter disagreement with President Donald Trump.

The surprise move by the Georgia congresswoman, a rising star in the Republican Party, has many speculating about her next steps.

Her decision followed public criticism from Trump, who called her a “traitor” and said he would support her opponent in next year's election.

It comes after months of sharp criticism by Greene of the Trump administration's refusal to release files related to the investigation into late human trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, as well as some of Trump's policy positions.

Rumors had already begun to circulate that Greene, 51, might run for president in 2028, but she quickly denied them. So, if not the Oval Office, what's next for Greene?

Although she maintains that she is not currently interested in the presidency, changing views in the future is not an unknown feature of US politics.

When Greene signed a petition to force a vote to release files related to Epstein over Trump's objections, she moved on to a bill sponsored by fellow Democrat Ro Khanna.

Hannah told NBC News after Greene's latest announcement that she would “probably be a formidable candidate in the 2028 election,” adding that she is “closer” to Trump's base than his number two, Vice President J.D. Vance.

Time magazine also reported that Greene “privately told allies” that she was considering a run for president, but Greene quickly dismissed the claim as a “total lie.”

“I am not running for president and have never said that I would and only laughed about it when anyone mentioned it,” Greene wrote on social media, reposting the Time magazine article.

Greene has noticeably distanced herself from her party's positions and from the president, of whom she was once an ardent supporter.

She has spoken out against issues such as the Epstein files, Trump's global tariffs, support for Israel and health care funding.

Greene has been less vocal about ruling out running for governor of Georgia or representing her state in the U.S. Senate.

Elections for both will take place in 2026.

Two-time Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has completed his term and cannot run again, expanding the field of possible replacements.

Greene could also use her influence to continue her bid for a U.S. Senate seat and try to unseat Democrat Jon Ossoff, who is up for re-election next year.

Greene has shown interest in both the role of governor and the role of U.S. senator, at least according to Trump.

In the president's public spat with Greene following her resignation announcement, Trump wrote on social media that the feud began “when I sent her a poll saying she should not run for senator or governor.”

“She had 12% and had no chance (unless of course she had my approval – which she wasn't going to get!),” he said.

Kennesaw State University political science professor Kerwin Swint, who lives in Greene's congressional district, says Trump knows she is unpopular outside her immediate district and that she would likely be “destroyed” if she ran for statewide office.

Without these opportunities, the only other position she can hope for is the presidency, despite her protests.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Swint says. “She would be a tremendous chance to be a dark horse.

“But most politicians have big enough egos that when they look in the mirror they see the future president. So this is out of the question.”

Swint predicts she will launch a podcast and try to stay in the public eye while continuing to develop her media profile.

“I think she essentially wants to be powerful. And so I think whoever wants to do this will take advantage of these media opportunities,” he says.

If she chooses a life outside of politics, Greene will join the ranks of former politicians and political operatives who have launched careers in the podcasting arena.

After Republican Representative Matt Gaetz resigned from Congress to accept his failed bid for US attorney general under Trump, he launched his own podcast.

The trend has taken hold even on the left, with Democrats like California Gov. Gavin Newsom also hosting their own podcast.

Meanwhile, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino joined the Trump administration after success as a radio host and commentator.

Greene could also decide to become a conservative commentator on more left-leaning networks such as CNN, where she has appeared frequently in recent days.

“I knew she would be the next co-host of The View!,” conservative personality Meghan McCain wrote on X, referring to Greene's recent appearance on ABC's liberal daily talk show.

In a 10-minute video announcing her resignation, Greene also suggested she might retire from politics to spend more time with her family, whom she said she missed “precious time” with while fighting for Trump.

Throughout her time in politics, Greene said she faced “endless personal attacks” and “threats.”

“It was unfair and wrong not only to me, but especially to my family,” she said.

Since her public feud with the president, Greene said, the threats against her have only intensified.

In addition to serving in Congress, Greene is also the owner of a commercial construction and renovation company, Taylor Commercial.

The company has managed about $250 million in construction projects since Green acquired it in 2002, according to its website.

With reporting by Max Matza