What happens next for Marjorie Taylor Greene after exit from Congress?

Marjorie Taylor Greene's five years in Congress will come to an early end on 5 January after she unexpectedly announced her resignation following a bitter rift with President Donald Trump.

The surprise move from the Georgia congresswoman - a rising star in the Republican party - has left many speculating about her next steps.

Her decision follows a public fallout with Trump, who branded her "a traitor" and said he would endorse her opponent in next year's election.

It comes after months of Greene's blistering criticism on the Trump administration's refusal to release files related to the investigation into the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein - as well as several of Trump's policy positions.

Rumours have already begun circulating that Greene, 51, might run for president in 2028, which she immediately shot down. So, if not the Oval Office, what is next for Greene?

Although she claims she has no interest in the presidency now, having a future change of heart is not an unknown feature of US politics.

When Greene signed a petition to force a vote requiring the release of the files related to Epstein - over Trump's objections - it went on to a bill authored by her Democratic colleague, Ro Khanna.

Khanna told NBC News after Greene's latest announcement that she was "likely to be a formidable 2028 candidate", adding that she was "more in touch" with Trump's base than his number two, Vice-President JD Vance.

Time Magazine also reported that Greene "privately told allies" she was considering a presidential bid, but Greene quickly dismissed the assertion as a "complete lie".

"I'm not running for President and never said I wanted to and have only laughed about it when anyone would mention it," Greene wrote on social media, re-posting Time Magazine's article.

Greene has notably distanced herself from her party's positions - and from the president - for whom she once was an ardent supporter.

She has spoken out against issues including Epstein files, Trump's global tariffs, support for Israel and healthcare funding.

Greene has not been quite as explicit about ruling out the possibility of running for Georgia governor or to represent her state in the US Senate.

Elections for both take place in 2026.

Two-time Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is up against his term limit and unable to run again, widening the field of possible replacements.

Greene could also use her clout to pursue the race for the US Senate and attempt to unseat Democrat Jon Ossoff, who is up for re-election next year.

Both the role of governor and US senator are ones that Greene has expressed interest in, at least according to Trump.

In the president's public spat with Greene following her resignation announcement, Trump wrote on social media that the feud began "when I sent her a Poll stating that she should not run for Senator, or Governor".

"She was at 12%, and didn't have a chance (unless, of course, she had my Endorsement — which she wasn't about to get!)", he said.

Kennesaw State University Professor of Political Science Kerwin Swint, who lives in Greene's congressional district, says that Trump is aware of her unpopularity outside of her immediate district, and that she would probably "get obliterated" if she ran for statewide office.

Without those options, the only other office she may have her sights on is president, despite her protestations.

"I don't see that happening," Swint says. "She would be such an amazing longshot to dark horse.

"But most politicians have a big enough ego that they look in the mirror, they see a future president. So it's not out of the question."

Swint predicts that she'll start a podcast and attempt to remain in the public spotlight by continuing to build her media profile.

"I think she wants to be an influencer basically. And so I think someone who wants to do that is going to reach for these media opportunities," he says.

If she chooses a life outside of politics, Greene would join a host of former politicians and political operatives who have launched careers in the podcast arena.

After Republican Representative Matt Gaetz resigned from Congress to accept his failed nomination to become Trump's US attorney general, he started his own podcast.

The trend has even caught hold on the left, with Democrats like California Governor Gavin Newsom also hosting his own podcast.

Meanwhile, FBI deputy director Dan Bongino went on to join the Trump administration after success as a radio host and commentator.

Greene could also decide to become a conservative commentator on more left-leaning networks, like CNN, where she has made frequent appearances in recent days.

"I knew she was going to be the next co-host of The View!", conservative personality Megan McCain wrote on X, referring to Greene's recent appearance on ABC's liberal-leaning daily chat show.

In the 10-minute video announcing her resignation, Greene also suggested she might leave politics to spend more time with her family who she said she missed "precious time with" as she fought for Trump.

Throughout her time in politics, Greene said, she faced "never ending personal attacks" and "threats".

"It has been unfair and wrong, not only to me, but especially to my family," she said.

Since her public feud with the president, Greene said the threats against her have only increased.

In addition to being a member of Congress, Greene is also the owner of a commercial construction and renovation company called Taylor Commercial.

The company has managed roughly $250m in construction projects, since Greene acquired it in 2002, according to her website.

With reporting by Max Matza