House Republicans Describe Congress as “The Worst Good-Paying Job in America,” Citing Chaos, Threats, and Trump Pressure

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A growing number of House Republicans say they are exhausted, demoralized, and reconsidering their futures in Congress amid heightened political tensions, internal party conflict, and unrelenting pressure to align with former President Donald Trump, according to a new Axios report.

Interviews with more than a dozen lawmakers reveal an institution consumed by infighting, threats, and legislative paralysis — prompting some to label their positions as “the worst good-paying jobs in America.”

A Wave of Departures

Forty-one members of Congress have already announced plans to retire at the end of their terms, with more expected to follow. Most House members earn an annual salary of $174,000, but many say the pay no longer offsets the “constant hostility and dysfunction” defining the chamber.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s sudden resignation has intensified fears of additional departures. Her exit, attributed to escalating threats and frustration with party leadership, has shaken colleagues and raised concerns about the stability of the GOP’s narrow majority.

Another Republican, speaking anonymously, told Axios that the idea of leaving Congress “has crossed my mind — and I know I’m not the only one.”

Death Threats and an Increasingly Volatile Atmosphere

Threats against lawmakers have risen sharply following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, adding to what members describe as the most volatile climate in years.

Representative Tim Burchett said the growing number of threats “takes a toll on people.” Both Greene and Representative Jared Golden cited political violence as a factor in their decisions to leave Congress.

Many lawmakers argue the increasingly extreme rhetoric in national politics — as well as highly controversial policies enacted by the Trump administration — has fueled tension and public hostility.

Trump’s Grip on the Chamber

Lawmakers point to Trump’s strong influence over House Republicans as a central source of friction. Several members told Axios their role has become reduced to echoing the former president’s positions — even when they conflict with policy preferences, constitutional limits, or geopolitical realities.

Representative Don Bacon said he considered resigning early after the Trump administration proposed a contentious 28-point Russia–Ukraine plan that many Republicans viewed as overly accommodating to Moscow.

Trump’s sweeping use of executive power — including redirecting congressionally approved funds, imposing tariffs without congressional input, and conducting military operations abroad — has further sidelined members of Congress, leaving many feeling politically irrelevant.

A Paralysis of Governance

Since returning from a seven-week recess, the House has spent only a few days in Washington, and much of that time has been dominated by punitive resolutions targeting other members rather than substantive legislative work.

The Republican majority now stands at a razor-thin 219–213, meaning a handful of defections can halt any bill. Some members privately speculate that Greene’s resignation was partly intended as retaliation, making governing even more difficult for Trump-aligned leadership.

“We don’t ever seem to be doing anything,” Burchett said of the chamber’s current dysfunction.

With traditional legislative channels stalled, rank-and-file members from both parties have increasingly turned to procedural maneuvers such as discharge petitions to force votes on widely supported bills — a practice Speaker Mike Johnson has tried to curtail.

Mounting Economic and Political Pressure

The turmoil in Congress coincides with deteriorating economic indicators: rising inflation in several sectors, increasing unemployment in certain states, and an uptick in corporate layoffs. Many members worry these issues will further heighten public anger toward elected officials.

Republicans also face backlash over tariffs, immigration policies, and high-profile enforcement actions that critics argue have contributed to higher consumer prices and intensified national division.

“This Is the Job They Created”

While some departing lawmakers blame the toxic atmosphere, others note that much of the dysfunction stems from years of congressional deference to the White House — particularly during Trump’s terms.

By ceding authority over spending, trade, and foreign policy, Congress weakened its own institutional power, leaving many members frustrated and politically vulnerable.

Now, with rising threats, shrinking legislative influence, and mounting public dissatisfaction, more Republicans are openly questioning whether remaining in Congress is worth the growing personal and political cost.

As one retiring member told Axios: “We’re exhausted. And this isn’t what the job was supposed to be.”