Epstein Files Return to Spotlight, Dividing trump’s Base
Congress returns from recess this week with Jeffrey Epstein back in the spotlight. This time, though, President Trump’s supporters are divided over how much they still care about the government’s files on the late sex offender – and the administration’s reluctance to tell all.
Why it matters: MAGA’s response to a fresh Epstein news cycle could either cement a playbook for healing rifts with Trump – or trigger another meltdown that derails the GOP’s fall agenda.
If the Epstein scandal fades, it will show even sharp breaks with Trump within the movement can be patched over when bigger fights emerge. if it explodes again, Republicans risk losing control of their end-of-year priorities – from government funding to a new crime bill.
Driving the news: Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) are seeking to force a House vote mandating the full release of the Justice Department’s documents on Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.
On Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee released a tranche of more than 33,000 Epstein-related records, which the Justice Department turned over after a subpoena in August. But Massie told Axios that the batch “looks like a bunch of redacted documents and nothing new, so it’s not going to suffice.”
Massie and Khanna will hold a press conference Wednesday with 10 of Epstein’s victims, including “many who have never spoken out before,” Khanna said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) – who sent lawmakers home early in august to avoid challenging Epstein votes – acknowledged friday that the House will “probably” vote on “one measure or another.”
What to watch: As the House Oversight Committee ramps up its investigation, testimony from three key witnesses over the coming weeks could either calm or inflame the MAGA base.
FBI Director Kash Patel, a prominent purveyor of Epstein conspiracy theories before entering government, will testify publicly before the house Judiciary Committee on Sept. 18.
Former Trump Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia, who previously represented Epstein, is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Sept. 26.
* Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, is expected to testify before the House Oversight Committee in the coming weeks.