Trump Ally Marjorie Taylor Greene Becomes First Republican To Label Gaza a ‘Genocide’

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of President Donald Trump’s allies, appears to have become the first Republican to describe Israel’s actions in Gaza as a genocide.

Her statement signals a rare departure from the party’s long-standing support for Israel, even as she continues to publicly align herself with Trump and the Make America Great Again movement.

Newsweek has contacted Greene and the White House for further comment.

Why It Matters

The term “genocide” carries serious legal and diplomatic implications. Defined by the United Nations as acts committed with intent to destroy a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, its use by a sitting member of Congress—particularly a Republican—marks a rare challenge to the dominant U.S. narrative on the war in Gaza.

Israel launched its offensive following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks, which killed about 1,200 people. The group also abducted more than 250 hostages. In the months since, Israel’s military campaign has drawn global concern over civilian casualties and the scale of destruction.

What To Know

On Monday, Greene wrote on X, “It’s the most truthful and easiest thing to say that Oct 7th in Israel was horrific and all hostages must be returned, but so is the genocide, humanitarian crisis, and starvation happening in Gaza.”

Her comment reflects mounting political tension over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and places the congresswoman from Georgia in alignment with international rights groups that have warned Israel may be committing war crimes.

Greene’s remark also puts her at odds with most Republicans in Congress, who have rejected such language while continuing to back U.S. military aid to Israel.

The congresswoman went on to argue that supporting such actions not only harms innocent people but also risks increasing antisemitism by associating Jewish identity with state violence.

Randy Fine

Greene’s post referenced Representative Randy Fine of Florida, a fellow Republican and vocal Israel defender who denied that Palestinians in Gaza were facing starvation.

On Sunday, Fine wrote on X: “There is no starvation. Everything about the ‘Palestinian’ cause is a lie.” On July 22, in response to an ABC News report that 15 people—including four children—had died from malnutrition and famine in Gaza in 24 hours, Fine wrote: “Release the hostages. Until then, starve away.”

Greene said in her post, “I can only imagine how Florida’s 6th district feels now that their Representative … openly calls for starving innocent people and children.”

Growing Criticism

This is not Greene’s first rebuke of U.S. policy toward Israel. Earlier this month, she introduced an amendment to strip funding from Israel’s missile defense system—a proposal that failed in a 6–422 vote. She has also posted about the suffering of Palestinian children and described the situation in Gaza as “horrific.”

In a June social media post—two days after Trump ordered a bombing in Iran—Greene accused the president of a “bait and switch” on the MAGA agenda. “NO MORE FOREIGN WARS. NO MORE REGIME CHANGE. WORLD PEACE,” she wrote, referencing Trump’s 2024 campaign message.

Trump on Gaza Hunger

Trump said on Monday that there was “real starvation” in Gaza, adding, “I see it, and you can’t fake that.” He promised the U.S. would do more to address it.

Though brief, the statement marked a rare acknowledgment of Palestinian suffering from the president.

What Happens Next

Greene’s break from Republican consensus may intensify debate within the party over Israel, U.S. aid and humanitarian accountability, especially as Trump himself has acknowledged worsening conditions in Gaza.