In a significant political development, Republican Representative Thomas Massie has revealed that a substantial number of Republicans might support legislation demanding the complete release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents from the Department of Justice. The upcoming House vote has generated intense bipartisan interest as lawmakers push for transparency in the controversial case.
Bipartisan Push for Epstein Documents
Speaking on Sunday, Massie indicated that over 100 Republican representatives could vote in favor of the legislation that would compel the DOJ to disclose all files connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. "There could be 100 or more. I'm hoping to get a veto-proof majority on this legislation when it comes up for a vote," Massie told ABC News during his interview.
The Kentucky representative was among four Republicans who challenged former President Donald Trump by signing a discharge petition that forced the House to schedule the vote this week. This move demonstrates the growing bipartisan pressure for complete disclosure of the Epstein documents.
Concerns Over DOJ Investigations
Massie expressed serious concerns that ongoing Department of Justice investigations might be utilized as justification to block the release of crucial documents. He suggested that these investigations could serve as a "smokescreen" to prevent public access to the Epstein files.
"If they have ongoing investigations in certain areas, those documents can't be released. So this might be a big smokescreen, these investigations… as a last ditch effort to prevent the release of the Epstein files," Massie explained, highlighting potential obstruction tactics.
Political Reactions and Trump's Position
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy strongly criticized Trump's approach to the Justice Department, describing his request for Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Democrats as "both heartbreaking and totally unsurprising."
Murphy asserted that "The Department of Justice has just become a protection racket for Donald Trump and a witch hunt operation against his political opponents. This is why our democracy is in such peril right now… for the first time in our history, the Department of Justice operates in order to try to punish and lock up anybody that criticizes Donald Trump."
Meanwhile, Trump has consistently maintained that he severed ties with Epstein in the early 2000s after allegedly discovering that Epstein "hired away" female staff members from his Mar-a-Lago resort. This position comes following the release of thousands of documents by the House Oversight Committee, including emails that appear to implicate Trump.
According to the disclosed emails, Epstein claimed that Trump "knew about the girls" within Epstein's network. The former president has repeatedly denied any knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterizing the documents as "selectively released emails" designed to "smear" the President.
The crucial House vote on releasing federal Epstein files is scheduled for Tuesday, with all attention focused on whether Republican support will reach the levels predicted by Massie and whether bipartisan cooperation will ensure the legislation's passage.
