Republican firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA) offered surprising praise for outgoing former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA) during a CNN appearance Thursday, lauding the veteran Democrat’s legislative effectiveness just hours after Pelosi announced she would not seek re-election.
Pelosi, who has represented San Francisco for nearly four decades and served two stints as House Speaker, is retiring from Congress, closing one of the most powerful and consequential careers in modern Democratic Party politics. READ: Speaker Emerita, California Rep. Nancy Pelosi Announces Retirement From Congress
Appearing on “The Situation Room,” Greene, a frequent critic of Democratic leadership and policies, expressed an unexpected admiration for Pelosi’s ability to advance her party’s agenda.
“I will praise Nancy Pelosi. She had an incredible career for her party,” Greene stated. “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 commendation is particularly striking given Greene’s political positioning and the often-vitriolic nature of modern partisan politics.
Greene also offered well wishes to Pelosi but used the moment to advocate for earlier turnover in Washington. “So I wish her well in her retirement, but I would like to see people exit Washington a lot sooner rather than wait until their 80s,” she added.
Contrast with Trump’s Reaction
The Georgia Republican’s measured praise stood in stark contrast to the reaction from President Donald Trump, who has long maintained a highly acrimonious relationship with Pelosi, frequently referring to her as “Crazy Nancy.”
Trump applauded Pelosi’s decision, telling reporters at a White House event that her retirement was “a great service to the country.” He went on to describe Pelosi as “an evil woman” and “a tremendous liability” who “did a poor job and cost the country a lot in damages and reputation.”
The historic feud between Pelosi and Trump includes two House impeachments led by the Speaker and her symbolic act of tearing up his State of the Union speech in 2020. The animosity intensified recently, with Pelosi calling Trump “a vile creature.”
Pelosi’s departure marks the end of an era in Democratic leadership, and the rare, if not backhanded, compliment from one of her staunchest ideological opponents highlights the widely acknowledged impact of her decades-long tenure.
READ: Georgia Rep. MTG Rips AOC’s ‘Revenge Tour’ Claim, Slams Senate ‘Gridlock’ As ‘Repulsive’
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