In a heated exchange that has sparked widespread outrage, Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene told Sky News reporter Martha Kelner to "go back to your country" due to her British accent. The incident unfolded on March 26, 2025, immediately after Greene left a committee hearing focused on funding for public broadcasters.
As Greene faced reporters, she was questioned about a journalist's inclusion in a sensitive group chat concerning air strikes in Yemen involving top U.S. officials. When Kelner attempted to ask about the potential risks to American lives posed by the leak of military plans, Greene cut her off, demanding to know, "What country are you from?" Upon learning that Kelner was from the U.K., Greene launched into a tirade.
"We don’t give a crap about your opinion and your reporting," Greene exclaimed, before continuing, "Why don’t you go back to your country where you have a major migrant problem? You should care about your own borders." This aggressive dismissal of Kelner's inquiry has been interpreted by many as a blatant attempt to deflect from the pressing issues at hand.
This is not the first time Greene has clashed with foreign journalists. In a previous incident in 2022, she infamously told another British journalist, Emily Maitlis, to "f**k off" when questioned about her support for conspiracy theories, specifically those involving "Jewish space lasers." Such confrontations have led to accusations that Greene is attempting to undermine credible journalism by attacking the credibility of the reporters themselves.
Kelner's attempt to address the serious implications of the Signal chat leak was met with Greene's refusal to engage, as she shifted the focus to criticisms of the Biden administration. "You want to know about complete disregard about operational security? You should talk about the Biden administration and how they ripped our borders open to terrorists, cartel, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, and drug trafficking across our borders for four years," Greene claimed, diverting the discussion away from the original topic.
The exchange highlights a troubling trend in political discourse, where discrediting the messenger has become a common tactic among certain politicians. Kelner noted this in her assessment of the incident, stating that discrediting the messenger, rather than focusing on the message itself, has become the norm within the Trump White House.
As the press conference continued, Greene refused to answer further questions from Kelner, instead engaging with an American journalist who supported Kelner's inquiries. Greene's refusal to address the implications of the military leak left many questioning her accountability and commitment to national security.
When pressed about whether Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth should resign over the scandal, Greene replied, "Absolutely not, he's doing a great job," further emphasizing her unwavering support for the Trump administration.
In the aftermath of the incident, reactions have poured in from various quarters, with many condemning Greene's remarks as xenophobic and indicative of a broader trend of hostility toward the media, especially from those aligned with the Trump faction of the Republican Party.
Critics argue that Greene's comments not only reflect a disdain for foreign journalists but also a troubling lack of understanding of international relations and the importance of a free press. The incident has reignited discussions about the responsibilities of elected officials in addressing questions from the media, particularly in an era where misinformation and disinformation are rampant.
Moreover, Greene's comments about migrants and crime have been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and fear-mongering. Her assertion that there is a significant problem with migrants raping women in the U.K. has drawn ire from advocates who argue that such statements are not only misleading but also dangerous.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of Greene's remarks may resonate beyond this single incident. The refusal to engage constructively with the media could embolden similar behaviors among politicians, leading to a further erosion of trust between the public and those in power.
In conclusion, Greene's outburst serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing journalists today, particularly those who dare to question powerful figures. The incident not only underscores the need for accountability among elected officials but also highlights the vital role of the media in holding those in power to account.
