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Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene is facing accusations that she timed her upcoming resignation from Congress to qualify for a taxpayer-funded federal pension.
The Georgia Republican, first elected in 2020, announced in a video Friday that she will resign in January 2026, following months of public conflict with President Donald Trump—a dramatic shift for someone once seen as a vocal MAGA loyalist.
Greene, now 51, claimed she spent years campaigning for Trump and even contributed “millions” of her own money.
However, critics say her decision is more financially motivated, pointing to a pension that could exceed $250,000 over her lifetime.
According to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF), Greene reaches the required five full years of service on January 5, 2026, making her eligible under federal retirement rules.
How Greene Qualifies For A Federal Pension
Five Years And Three Days Of Service
Greene took office in January 2021, and her resignation date translates to 1,829 days of service—five years and three days, barely clearing the pension threshold.
NTUF estimates:
- Greene’s annual pension at age 62: $8,717
- Projected lifetime total: More than $265,000
Under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), lawmakers can receive a full deferred pension at age 62 if they complete a minimum of five years in federal service.
Because Greene entered Congress after 2013, she falls under the standard FERS formula, based on:
- Years of service
- The “high-3” salary average
- A 1% accrual rate per year
Rank-and-file members earn $174,000 annually, a salary that has not increased for years due to repeated congressional votes against cost-of-living adjustments.
Greene’s Future Pension And Financial Picture
Projected Lifetime Payout
NTUF calculates that if Greene begins receiving benefits in 2036, when she turns 62, she could collect payments for approximately 23 years, based on her projected lifespan of 85.
With an estimated 2% cost-of-living adjustment, her lifetime pension would surpass $265,000, though inflation could shift this figure.
Because Greene divorced in 2022, NTUF notes that it is unclear whether the spousal-annuity reduction applies to her.
Her pension is modest compared with that of others, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is expected to receive nearly $108,000 annually.
Meanwhile, Greene’s personal wealth has reportedly skyrocketed—from $700,000 in 2021 to potentially $25 million as of October 2025, according to GOBankingRates.
Political Reactions To Greene’s Resignation
Supporters And Opponents Weigh In
Trump-aligned activist Laura Loomer accused Greene of prioritizing money over service, writing on X that Greene’s “portfolio will explode” before she leaves office.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has frequently clashed with Greene, criticized her resignation timing, claiming Greene enriched herself through stock trades while voting with Republicans on issues like healthcare cuts.
President Donald Trump argued that Greene stepped down due to “plummeting poll numbers” and a strong primary challenger he plans to endorse.
He also criticized her relationship with Representative Thomas Massie, calling him one of the “worst Republicans” in decades.
Greene Rejects Rumors Of A 2028 Presidential Run
Greene issued a lengthy statement on X denying rumors that she plans to run for president in 2028. She insisted she has “never” wanted to pursue a presidential campaign, citing:
- Extreme travel requirements
- Massive fundraising demands
- Health impacts
- Limited ability to “fix anything” within the system
She emphasized she is “not motivated by power or titles.”
Comparison To Other Congressional Pensions
For contrast, Senator Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, could receive up to $154,720 annually if he retires after more than 50 years of service under the older Civil Service Retirement System, which is far more generous than FERS.
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s carefully timed resignation has sparked a wave of criticism, with many accusing her of stepping down just after securing eligibility for a taxpayer-funded pension.
While Greene insists her decision is unrelated to finances or political ambition, watchdog groups and political opponents point to the substantial lifetime benefits she now qualifies for.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates over congressional compensation, transparency, and the ethics of lawmakers’ financial decisions.