Democrats Troll Trump, GOP Over Epstein Files/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Democrats are exploiting GOP infighting over the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, demanding file releases and spotlighting Trump’s shifting stance. The clash has fueled fresh political tension, as MAGA loyalists grow restless over unfulfilled promises of transparency. Meanwhile, House and Senate Democrats push for congressional action to uncover the truth.
Quick Looks
- Democrats intensify calls for Epstein investigation transparency
- Trump’s base frustrated over unreleased Epstein documents
- House Democrats propose amendments demanding file release
- GOP divided as Speaker Johnson breaks with Trump
- Super PAC targets GOP lawmakers who reversed on Epstein files
- Trump dismisses interest in Epstein case as irrelevant
- Epstein debate spills into House Rules Committee meetings
- Democratic leaders say public deserves full disclosure
Deep Look
Democrats Exploit GOP Split Over Epstein Files, Turning Trump Rift Into Political Weapon
PHOENIX (AP) — Democrats are seizing a growing political fracture within the Republican Party over the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, aggressively trolling President Donald Trump and the GOP over unreleased documents tied to the convicted sex offender’s trafficking network.
Once a rallying cry for many conservatives, the mystery surrounding Epstein’s connections and possible high-profile associates has become a political liability for Trump. The former president has urged supporters to move on, but many in the MAGA base refuse to drop demands for transparency — and Democrats are eagerly stoking the divide.
“It’s time for the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about this sordid Jeffrey Epstein matter,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries during a press conference at the Capitol. “Donald Trump, Pam Bondi, and these MAGA extremists have been fanning the flames of conspiracy for years—and now the chickens are coming home to roost.”
Democrats Push For Document Releases
The fight escalated in Congress this week. House Minority Leader Jeffries and other top Democrats proposed amendments forcing the Trump administration to release Epstein-related files, hoping to capitalize on cracks emerging within the Republican ranks.
During a House Rules Committee session late Monday, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) introduced amendments demanding document disclosures. Although one Republican, Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, broke ranks to support Democrats, both measures ultimately failed on party-line votes.
“You guys are tying yourselves into knots trying to avoid dealing with this issue,” McGovern told Republicans during the debate.
A Rift Among MAGA Loyalists
The controversy has deepened divisions in Trump’s own political base. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice and FBI walked back earlier suggestions that a so-called Epstein “client list” even exists. That reversal outraged many MAGA supporters who had believed such documents would expose powerful elites involved in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation.
Trump, seeking to quell the uproar, insisted the controversy is overblown.
“I don’t understand why the Jeffrey Epstein case would be of interest to anybody,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday, further frustrating some of his followers. He went on to suggest, without evidence, that any incriminating documents might have been fabricated by political enemies such as former FBI Director James Comey or former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Republican Leaders Split From Trump
Notably, House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday became the highest-ranking Republican official to publicly diverge from Trump on the issue. Speaking to conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, the Speaker declared: “We should put everything out there and let the people decide.”
Meanwhile, Democrats have used social media to pile on the pressure. California Rep. Ro Khanna, widely seen as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, took to X (formerly Twitter) to needle Vice President JD Vance, another possible 2028 contender, over where he stands on releasing the Epstein files.
“A 2028 power move, @JDVance,” Khanna posted. “Where do you stand on the Epstein files these days?” Khanna paired the comment with an old post from former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley urging full disclosure.
Super PAC Joins the Fray
Adding fuel to the fire, the Democratic-aligned House Majority PAC launched a campaign blasting Republican lawmakers who previously demanded Epstein-related disclosures but voted against recent Democratic proposals for transparency. GOP Reps. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, Anna Paulina Luna, and Cory Mills of Florida were all singled out as “complicit” in shielding potentially explosive information.
“This was a conspiracy that Donald Trump and his allies fueled for years,” Jeffries added. “Now that they’re in charge, they’re the ones stonewalling the truth.”
Epstein Case Remains Politically Explosive
Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender, died in prison in 2019 in what officials ruled a suicide. Conspiracy theories surrounding his death and potential connections to powerful figures have persisted ever since, fueling speculation across the political spectrum.
Democrats are now trying to turn that speculation into a liability for Trump, as the president’s efforts to downplay the issue clash with lingering suspicions among his base.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer added his voice to the chorus this week, declaring at the Capitol: “They should release the files now.”
With Trump and key Republicans reluctant to fully disclose the Epstein files, the issue seems poised to remain a political flashpoint heading into the 2026 midterms and potentially the 2028 presidential race.
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