Republicans block Epstein file releases, further deepening GOP divide
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Democrats push for Epstein file disclosures as GOP lawmakers close ranks, revealing internal tensions over Trump’s influence and public pressure for answers.
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A person walks into the federal courthouse in New York on December 22, 2021. (AP)
Republicans in both chambers of Congress have blocked Democratic-led efforts to release government documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, intensifying intraparty tensions and spotlighting lingering controversies over President Donald Trump’s handling of the case.
The moves, a Senate block on Thursday and a House vote earlier this week, underscore how the Epstein saga continues to exert political pressure on lawmakers. Democrats see an opportunity to deepen fractures within the MAGA base by spotlighting Trump’s reversal on a promise to declassify Department of Justice files linked to Epstein. In turn, the GOP accuses Democrats of grandstanding.
On Thursday, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) sought unanimous consent to pass a resolution urging the release of Epstein-related files. But Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) objected, calling the move "pure theater." Under Senate rules, a single objection is enough to block such motions.
It is worth noting that earlier this month, it was reported that both the FBI and the DOJ had confirmed Epstein died by suicide and that there was no definitive “client list,” contradicting long-standing public speculation.
Democrats escalate pressure over Epstein files
Democratic lawmakers argued that Republican opposition to transparency reflects a broader effort to shield Trump from scrutiny. “They’re protecting the rich and powerful, again,” Gallego posted on X after the Senate move and House Democrats introduced similar measures this week, each blocked by GOP lawmakers.
The growing public interest in Epstein’s connections and Trump’s past association with him has become a wedge issue, particularly among the pro-Trump "manosphere," while this online ecosystem of influencers and podcasters, once key supporters of Trump, has increasingly criticized his failure to fulfill promises on Epstein-related disclosures.
House GOP shuts down second attempt in a week
In the House on Tuesday, Republicans narrowly defeated a procedural motion that would have allowed a vote on a bill from Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) requiring the DOJ to publish Epstein records online within 30 days. The motion failed by a 211–210 vote, with all Republicans opposed and all Democrats in favor.
The bill would have disrupted the GOP’s legislative schedule, placing House Republicans in a politically sensitive bind, forced to either support transparency or shield Trump. Earlier, Republicans on the House Rules Committee had also blocked an effort to include similar language in a broader defense and cryptocurrency package.
Some Republicans who previously expressed openness to Epstein-related disclosures reversed course. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), who supported the transparency provision in committee, ultimately voted against it, citing ongoing investigations. "There’s an independent party that’s looking at it," he told Axios.
Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Texas) noted that the Republican conference generally avoids supporting procedural efforts spearheaded by Democrats: "This was no different."
On his part, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) downplayed the push as political posturing: "It’s just politics. It’s not about protecting little children. And that ticks me off."
Democrats call out GOP double standards
Additionally, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee, accused Republicans of hypocrisy: "These guys have trafficked in conspiracy theories for as long as I can remember, and it’s coming home to bite them in the ass."
He argued that GOP lawmakers are now caught between a base demanding Epstein transparency and their loyalty to Trump: "They’re more afraid of Trump than they are of their own constituents."
Despite GOP resistance in both chambers, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) took a more nuanced position, suggesting transparency should be pursued. In an interview, Johnson said: "We should put everything out there and let the people decide it." However, he also deferred to former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, reportedly leading a review of the Epstein matter, to provide further clarity.
Still, Johnson’s acknowledgment that White House staff "are privy to facts that I don’t know" reflects the enduring opacity surrounding the case and the political sensitivities it continues to ignite.
Epstein files create rift in MAGA base
The Epstein files have been a rather divisive topic among the MAGA crowd, after the Trump administration abruptly announced that there is no "client list", despite their promises that they would release the list.
According to a report by Semafor, which cited sources with knowledge of the situation, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is reportedly considering stepping down from his position due to frustrations over US Attorney General Pam Bondi’s management of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
A recent YouGov poll of 7,237 American adults found that 40% believe President Donald Trump was connected to Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes, while 27% do not believe he was involved, and 33% remain unsure, with the survey also indicating that most respondents doubt justice will ultimately be served in the case.
The poll reveals significant partisan splits, as 69% of Democrats think Trump was connected to Epstein's crimes, while only 41% of independents and a mere 7% of Republicans agree. Gender gaps also emerge, with 41% of women believing Trump was involved, slightly higher than the 39% of men who hold that view. On the other hand, 31% of men say Trump was not involved, compared to 23% of women, and women are more likely than men to say they're unsure.
