A prominent Republican congressman has publicly challenged Donald Trump, suggesting the former president's newly ordered investigation into Democratic ties to Jeffrey Epstein could be a 'smokescreen' designed to prevent the full Epstein files from becoming public.
Bipartisan Concerns Over White House Motives
Representative Thomas Massie, speaking on ABC's This Week programme, expressed serious concerns about Trump's decision to direct attorney general Pam Bondi on Friday to examine Democrats with connections to the late sex offender. Massie, who is leading a bipartisan push with Democratic congressman Ro Khanna to release all government-held Epstein documents, described the timing as highly suspicious.
'The president's been saying this is a hoax,' Massie stated, referencing Trump's repeated claims about calls for full disclosure. 'He's just now decided to investigate a hoax, if it's a hoax.'
Massie articulated his central worry that the newly announced investigations could serve as a procedural barrier to transparency. 'If they have ongoing investigations in certain areas, those documents can't be released,' he explained. '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.'
Protecting Powerful Friends Rather Than Himself
When pressed by ABC anchor Jonathan Karl about what the Epstein records might contain and why Trump appears apprehensive, Massie offered a revealing theory. 'I've never said that these files will implicate Donald Trump,' he clarified. 'And I really don't think that they will. I think he's trying to protect a bunch of rich and powerful friends, billionaires, donors to his campaign, friends in his social circles.'
Massie's comments come despite emails released last week by the House of Representatives' oversight committee that suggest Trump was aware of Epstein's conduct and that Epstein had advised Steve Bannon, a key figure in Trump's Make America Great Again base.
The congressman revealed that more than 100 House Republicans might vote in favour of releasing the justice department's Epstein files when the measure reaches the House floor this week. He delivered a stark warning to colleagues considering opposing the release.
'Donald Trump can protect you in red districts right now by giving you an endorsement,' Massie stated. '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.'
Democrats Emphasise Justice for Survivors
Meanwhile, Democratic congressman Ro Khanna of California emphasised on NBC News' Meet the Press that the effort was 'not about Donald Trump' but about achieving justice for the survivors of Epstein's alleged sex-trafficking ring.
'What we're asking for is justice for the survivors,' Khanna said. 'I don't even know how involved Trump was. There are a lot of other people who are involved who have to be held accountable.'
Khanna noted that many survivors who have spoken publicly about their abuse will be in Washington on Tuesday, where they plan to request a meeting with Trump.
House Speaker Mike Johnson offered a contrasting perspective on Fox News Sunday, asserting that the approaching vote would help dispel allegations about presidential connections to Epstein's crimes. 'They're doing this to go after President Trump on this theory that he has something to do with it. He does not,' Johnson claimed. 'Let's just get this done and move it on. There's nothing to hide.'
Despite House momentum, the legislation faces uncertainty in the Senate, where majority whip John Barrasso declined to commit to holding a vote even if the bill passes the House.
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting federal trial in New York on sex crimes, having previously served time in Florida for sex offenses after negotiating a plea deal in 2008. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, is currently serving her prison sentence.
