Republican Representative Thomas Massie has publicly accused former President Donald Trump of orchestrating a 'smokescreen' by launching investigations into Jeffrey Epstein's connections, suggesting it is a last-ditch ploy to prevent the release of sealed files related to the financier's sex trafficking case.
A Political 'Smokescreen' Allegation
In a striking interview with ABC News on Sunday, Congressman Massie slammed Trump's recent directive. The former president had ordered an official investigation, via US Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday, focusing specifically on prominent Democrats linked to the disgraced Epstein.
'If they have ongoing investigations in certain areas, those documents can't be released,' Massie stated, outlining his central argument. He theorised that '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.'
Massie further questioned the president's motives, pointing out the exclusive focus on his political opponents. 'It is extraordinary to hear him demand an investigation and only mention Democrats, only mention his political opponents,' he said, adding, 'He wants to prevent the release. Why does he want to prevent this? What is he afraid of?'
Victims' Plea and Congressional Momentum
The political manoeuvring unfolds as the House of Representatives speeds towards a crucial vote this week on whether to unseal the documents from the Epstein sex trafficking investigation.
Adding immense moral weight to the debate, five survivors of Epstein's abuse released a powerful video message on Sunday night. The clip, published by World Without Exploitation, features the women holding photos of their younger selves when they first encountered Epstein.
'This was me when I met Jeffrey Epstein,' one survivor revealed. Another shared, 'I’ve suffered so much pain.' Their collective call was unequivocal: 'It’s time to bring the secrets out of the shadows, it’s time to shine a light into the darkness.'
Republican Infighting Erupts
The controversy has triggered a bitter public rift within the Republican party. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a previously staunch Trump ally, finds herself at odds with the former president over her push to release the Epstein files.
Trump turned on Greene over the weekend, branding her 'a ranting lunatic' and 'Marjorie Traitor Greene' in a blistering post on his Truth Social platform, accusing her of betraying the party.
Greene responded by stating that Trump's verbal attack had triggered a wave of threats against her, putting her life in danger. Trump subsequently dismissed her concerns, telling reporters he did not believe she was being targeted.
As the vote looms, the pressure mounts on Congress to choose between political expediency and the victims' demands for full transparency.
