Rep. Thomas Massie has urged Republicans to support legislation compelling the full release of Epstein files, warning that opposing it would leave a damaging record beyond Trump’s political influence.
Libertarian Rep. Thomas Massie on Sunday cautioned his Republican colleagues that President Donald Trump cannot protect them indefinitely if they oppose legislation demanding the full release of the Justice Department’s files on late convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. According to NEW YORK POST, Massie said the House will vote this week on a proposal he co-sponsored with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) to compel the Justice Department to release all Epstein-related documents, with exemptions to safeguard victims’ identities.
“I would remind my Republican colleagues who are deciding how to vote: Donald Trump can protect you in red districts right now by giving you an endorsement, but by 2030, he’s not gonna be the president, and you will have voted to protect pedophiles if you don’t vote to release those files,” Massie warned. “The record of this vote will last longer than Donald Trump’s presidency.”
The push follows backlash within Trump’s base after a July FBI and DOJ memo concluded Epstein died by suicide and did not maintain an incriminating “client list.” Massie, often at odds with Trump, joined Khanna to bypass GOP leadership after months of delay caused by a government shutdown and the August recess.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has dismissed the effort as “moot,” citing ongoing Oversight Committee investigations. But Massie insisted a full accounting is necessary, predicting “a deluge of Republicans” may support the bill.
He also dismissed Trump’s recent personal attacks, describing the former president as a “bully,” and claimed Trump is “trying to protect a bunch of rich and powerful friends, billionaires, donors to his campaign.” While the House may vote soon, the Senate is not guaranteed to consider the measure.