A heated exchange during a congressional hearing highlights tensions within the Trump administration and raises concerns about the treatment of journalists.
In a recent confrontation that has garnered significant media attention, Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent Republican and ally of former President Donald Trump, sparked controversy during a congressional hearing. This incident occurred when Martha Kelner, a Sky News reporter, attempted to question Greene about the Signal scandal, which involves reported leaks that may jeopardise American lives.
The exchange escalated when Taylor Greene, known for her forthright and often incendiary rhetoric, told Kelner, “We don’t give a c**p about your opinion” and suggested she “go back to your country.” This moment of confrontation, which took place following a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) hearing, quickly gained viral traction across social media, with millions of viewers in both the US and the UK engaging with the footage.
Martha Kelner, who is 35 years old, reported receiving numerous messages from American citizens expressing embarrassment over Taylor Greene’s remarks, as many conveyed that her views did not represent theirs. In an interview with MailOnline from Washington, D.C., Kelner characterised the exchange as an “exercise in deflection” from Taylor Greene, acknowledging her expectation of a combative response. “I didn’t take it personally and I’m not a victim,” she stated, while adding that her attempts to question Greene were met with hostility, preventing a constructive dialogue.
The confrontation further escalated when Kelner sought clarification on Taylor Greene’s angry response, prompting Greene to dismiss her inquiries dismissively and accuse the UK of risking lives in Ukraine. “You should care about your own borders,” Greene shouted, insisting that Kelner address issues concerning her own country, specifically referencing migrants and violence against women. Critically, this incident has raised questions concerning the tone and perspective of certain factions within the Trump administration, as Kelner pointed out an underlying anti-British sentiment among some members.
Throughout the exchange, Greene’s hostile attitude towards the reporter has drawn parallels to remarks made by other MAGA figures, such as J.D. Vance, who have publicly critiqued Europe’s approach to various issues at international forums like the Munich Security Conference. Vance characterised immigration and curbed free speech as substantial threats to Europe, reflecting sentiments that position the UK and Europe unfavourably within the MAGA framework.
Kelner highlighted that the negative interaction was not isolated, mentioning that Taylor Greene has previously demonstrated similar behaviour towards journalists questioning her authority. She noted that maintaining a calm demeanor was essential due to the predictable nature of Greene’s responses. “It’s just the same old frayed playbook of crisis management, which is deny, deflect, and attack,” she remarked.
Despite the snide remarks from Taylor Greene, Kelner affirmed that she had received more supportive messages than negative ones, indicating a broader consensus among many Americans that Greene’s behaviour was inappropriate. In her view, it is critical for journalists to continue pursuing accountability in the face of aggressive pushback: “We’re still going to be there. We’re still going to be asking the questions.”
While the exact repercussions for the controversial exchange remain uncertain, Kelner expressed doubt that the White House would take significant action regarding the incident. She noted, “I suspect the Trump Administration’s handling will continue to be that they’re trying to tough it out.”
As debates over the dynamics in US-British relations continue to evolve, the implications of Taylor Greene’s outburst serve as a focal point for discussions about the current attitudes within the Trump camp towards international allies.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCfPXKt_VIA – This video provides footage of the confrontation between Marjorie Taylor Greene and a Sky News reporter, where Greene dismisses the reporter’s questions and suggests she return to her country. It highlights Greene’s aggressive response during the exchange.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh8ZfqumWfA – This video captures another instance of Marjorie Taylor Greene’s confrontational behavior, further illustrating her tendency to deflect and attack when questioned by journalists.
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/marjorie-taylor-greene-signal-scandal-b2443125.html – This article discusses the broader context of the Signal scandal and Greene’s involvement, providing insight into the political tensions surrounding the incident.
- https://www.mass.gov/guide-to-evidence/article-xi-miscellaneous – Although unrelated to the Greene controversy, this source on legal proceedings is included due to its relevance to general discussions around evidence and legal frameworks that might be tangentially related to how such incidents are handled.
- https://arisa-project.eu/the-presumption-of-innocence-and-the-media-coverage-of-criminal-cases/ – This resource discusses the importance of the presumption of innocence in media coverage, which can also relate to how public figures like Greene are portrayed in the media during controversies.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The incident appears recent given its viral traction on social media and involvement of contemporary figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene. However, without specific dates, determining its exact freshness is challenging.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The direct quotes from Marjorie Taylor Greene and Martha Kelner are not found in earlier sources online, suggesting they might be original from this context. However, without access to the original interviews or press conferences, it’s difficult to confirm their earliest appearance.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from a well-known publication, the Daily Mail, which generally provides reliable news coverage. However, its reputation can vary based on the topic and handling.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about Marjorie Taylor Greene’s confrontational style and controversial remarks align with her public persona and past behavior, making the scenario plausible.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be based on recent events and includes direct quotes that seem original. The source is a reputable publication, enhancing reliability. The claims are consistent with known character traits of Marjorie Taylor Greene, supporting their plausibility.
