WASHINGTON, D.C. — Productivity and compromise are sometimes hard to find in Washington — but in recent weeks, it’s been nearly impossible.
Members on both sides of the aisle are feeling frustrated — as made clear by dozens of retirement announcements, and even a surprise, early resignation by a close Trump ally. Partisan attacks and even party infighting on Capitol Hill are nothing new, but recent events suggest it may be reaching a tipping point.
Within the last few weeks alone, the country has seen a record-breaking government shutdown, an unsanctioned push from rank-and-file members to release the Epstein files, numerous censure votes to punish lawmakers for their actions, a surprise early resignation from Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, R- Ga., and dozens of retirements slated for 2026.
In a four-page letter announcing her retirement, Greene ripped into Republicans and President Trump — accusing her party of losing GOP priorities and campaign promises.
After Greene’s announcement, Punchbowl News first reported that other House Republicans are considering retiring in the middle of the term. In the article, a senior House Republican told Punchbowl News: “More explosive early resignations are coming. It’s a tinder box.”
Sources tell us they also expect more House Republicans to call it quits. But the big questions are how many, and when?
If just a handful of Republicans follow Greene’s footsteps and leave before the end of their term, it could have major consequences for the GOP’s already razor-thin House majority.
Washington, D.C. Correspondent Brendan Scanland asked White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt if the president was concerned about more early resignations and the reported unrest among House Republicans.
“Look, I think the president maintains very good relationships with the vast majority — maybe with the exception of one or two — very good relationships with members of Capitol Hill within the Republican Party. And the president clearly is the unequivocal leader of the Republican Party,” Leavitt said. “He maintains very good relations, as does his entire team here at the White House. And, of course, we have a very slim margin in the House, and the president wants that to continue.”
Over the weekend Texas Republican and close Trump ally, Rep. Troy Nehls, announced plans to retire at the end of his current term. Nehls is one of the over two dozen House Republicans — and at least 20 House Democrats — who are not seeking reelection in 2026.
