Republican Congressman Questions Trump's Motives in Epstein Investigation
A prominent Republican congressman has publicly challenged Donald Trump over the US President's decision to order a fresh investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's connections, suggesting it could be a calculated attempt to prevent the full Epstein files from becoming public. Representative Thomas Massie expressed his concerns during a Sunday interview on ABC's This Week, describing the move as a potential 'smokescreen'.
Massie, who is leading a bipartisan effort with Democratic congressman Ro Khanna to force the government to release all documents related to the late sex offender, pointed to the timing of the investigation. He noted that Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday to examine Democrats with ties to Epstein, despite the President having previously labelled calls for full disclosure a 'hoax'.
A 'Last-Ditch Effort' to Protect the Powerful?
Massie articulated a stark theory for the sudden investigative push. 'If they have ongoing investigations in certain areas, those documents can’t be released,' he stated. 'So, this might be a big smokescreen, these investigations, to open a bunch of them, as a last-ditch effort to prevent the release of the Epstein files.'
When pressed on what the files might contain that would concern Trump, Massie clarified that he does not believe they will directly implicate the President. Instead, his 'operating theory' is that Trump is attempting to protect 'a bunch of rich and powerful friends, billionaires, donors to his campaign, friends in his social circles.'
This development follows the release of emails by the House of Representatives' oversight committee last week, which indicated Trump was aware of Epstein's conduct and that Epstein had advised Steve Bannon, a key figure in Trump's political base.
Bipartisan Pressure and an Imminent Vote
The political battle over the files is intensifying, with a vote on a measure to release the justice department's Epstein documents expected to reach the House floor this week. Massie predicted that more than 100 House Republicans may vote in favour of transparency, and he issued a stark warning to his colleagues weighing their decision.
'Donald Trump can protect you in red districts right now by giving you an endorsement,' Massie said. 'But in 2030, he’s not going to be the president, and you will have voted to protect pedophiles if you don’t vote to release these files... This vote, the record of this vote, will last longer than Donald Trump’s presidency.'
Meanwhile, Democrat Ro Khanna echoed the call for release on NBC's Meet the Press, framing the issue as one of justice for the survivors of Epstein's alleged sex-trafficking ring. 'It’s not about Donald Trump. I don’t even know how involved Trump was,' Khanna remarked, noting that survivors will be in Washington on Tuesday to request a meeting with the President.
In a counterpoint, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson asserted that the vote would ultimately dispel allegations of Trump's involvement. 'They’re doing this to go after President Trump on this theory that he has something to do with it. He does not,' Johnson stated on Fox News, claiming the move would take a political 'weapon' out of Democratic hands.
Despite the House action, the legislation faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where majority whip John Barrasso declined to commit to holding a vote. The controversy continues to cause ripples within the Republican party, with figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene also demanding the files' release, creating a rift with Trump.
