"Trump denounces critics over perceived mishandling of Epstein documents: calls them 'weaklings'"
In a developing turn of events, several Republican politicians have called for the release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, as the controversy surrounding the investigation continues to grow.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who previously shied away from discussing the Epstein controversy, has now dedicated his show to the topic. Meanwhile, Representative Ro Khanna proposed an amendment that would have required Congress to vote on the release of the Epstein documents.
Representative Lauren Boebert has suggested appointing a special counsel if President Donald Trump does not release the Epstein files. Similarly, Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert have expressed a desire for Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's co-conspirator, to testify before Congress regarding the Epstein case.
Among the key Republicans actively calling for the release of the Epstein files is Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky. Massie co-introduced a bipartisan bill with Democratic Representative Ro Khanna, calling for the full release of federal documents related to Epstein, with protections for victims' identities and no release of child pornography. At least nine Republicans in total have signed on to the discharge petition along with Democrats to force a vote on this bill. However, the specific names of the other Republican signatories besides Massie are not detailed in the sources.
While many House Republicans opposed Democratic procedural moves to release the files, Representative Tim Burchett from Tennessee expressed frustration with the Republican vote blocking the release, saying, "It's just politics, it's not about protecting little children. And that ticks me off."
House Speaker Mike Johnson has not dropped the demand for the Epstein files' release, despite earlier signs of backing off. Johnson has called on the White House to unveil more details on its Epstein findings. Seven members of the House Rules Committee opposed an amendment that would have required Congress to vote on the release of the Epstein documents.
Attorney General Pam Bondi is under scrutiny as Trump supporters call for her ouster, while others are urging her to come forward and explain her role in the Epstein investigation. Trump himself has defended Bondi and called the Epstein files a "big hoax," a sentiment he later reiterated, stating that the Epstein investigation is a hoax perpetrated by Democrats and some Republicans.
Trump has also defended his top law enforcement officials amid criticism they backtracked after promoting Epstein investigation conspiracies. He stated that he no longer wants the support of those who continue to discuss the Epstein Hoax. Reporters are accused by Charlie Kirk of twisting his words regarding the Epstein case.
As the Epstein controversy continues to unfold, the calls for transparency and accountability from both Democrats and Republicans remain a prominent feature of the ongoing debate.
The ongoing debate about the Jeffrey Epstein case has seen Republicans like Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna co-introduce a bill advocating for the release of federal documents, with a focus on protecting victims' identities. Meanwhile, politics seems to surface in the House, as Representative Tim Burchett criticizes his fellow Republicans for blocking the release of the Epstein files, stating it's more about politics than protecting children.
Concurrently, policy-and-legislation discussions arise in the form of Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert's calls for Ghislaine Maxwell to testify before Congress, and Representative Lauren Boebert's suggestion of appointing a special counsel if President Donald Trump fails to release the Epstein files. General-news outlets are also actively covering the Epstein investigation, with Attorney General Pam Bondi under scrutiny and Trump's defense of the Epstein files as a "big hoax."
