Trump's Epstein problem just won't go away... as MAGA's biggest stars are set to cast deciding vote
Progressive Democrat Ro Khanna and libertarian-minded Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky teamed up last week to introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would compel Attorney General Pam Bondi to publicly release all unclassified materials relating to Jeffery Epstein.
The duo's resolution is receiving the the backing of a diverse set of members, including New York socialist Democrat darling Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Michigan 'Squad" member Rashida Tlaib on the left, as well as Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Nancy Mace of South Carolina, and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia on the right.
Khanna noted during a Thursday media appearance that his resolution had the backing of all 212 of his Democratic colleagues in the House. Even if only the 10 GOP co-sponsors of the resolution were to support it, it would easily pass the House.
Trump has faced a furious rebellion from his MAGA base over the botched handling of the Epstein files - and while he claims 'nobody cares' about the late financier - the furor isn't dying down.
The president last week sued the Wall Street Journal over a report that he wrote Epstein a birthday card with the message: 'May every day be another wonderful secret.'
If the vote makes it through the House in the next several weeks, then Trump's Epstein crisis will only deepen.
Senator Ron Wyden, D- Ore., is among lawmakers on the other side of the Capitol who are adamant that the president and DOJ make all the Epstein documents public. Wyden, the lead Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee is taking a particular look at the money trail Epstein surely left.
'This horrific sex-trafficking operation cost Epstein a lot of money, and he had to get that money from somewhere," Wyden told the New York Times.
The late financier was charged in 2008 for soliciting prostitution with an underaged girl and received a modest jail sentence in Florida. He was later charged with federal sex trafficking crimes in 2019. He hanged himself in prison awaiting his trial, feds say.
The DOJ and FBI recently leaked an unsigned memo concluding that Epstein died by suicide in prison that August and did not possess a 'client list' of VIP co-conspirators.
The memo said that no more people would be arrested, charged or convicted in the Epstein child sex trafficking case which angered some of members of Congress most in tune with the MAGA base.
Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of the most MAGA-aligned voices on the right said during an appearance on Real America's Voice (RAV) earlier this month that she for one wasn't buying that there wasn't more to the Epstein story.
'I think the Department of Justice and the FBI has more explaining to do. This is Jeffrey Epstein; this is the most famous pedophile in modern-day history,' Taylor Greene told RAV at the time.
Progressive Democrat Ocasio-Cortez seemingly came after Trump this week when she wrote sarcastically on X, 'Wow who would have thought that electing a rapist would have complicated the release of the Epstein Files?'
Trump was found liable of sexually abusing author E. Jean Carroll in a 2023 civil trial. He was not, however, found liable of rape - a distinction the New York Democrat did not make in her post.
'AOC — look, I think she's very nice but she's very Low IQ and we really don't need low IQ,' Trump told members of the media at the White House on Tuesday, firing back at the Congresswoman's jab.
Conservative X users were quick to jump to the president's defense comparing AOC's comments to remarks made by ABC host George Stephanopoulos, which led to Trump suing for defamation and eventually winning $15 million.
South Carolina GOP Congresswoman Nancy Mace called AOC's remarks a 'smear campaign.'
'She should lawyer up. Truth still matters, even if the Left's forgotten. We're not done fighting. Not even close,' Mace added.
Yet, now Mace and Ocasio-Cortez both find themselves on the same side of the fight to force Trump's DOJ to release the files pertaining to Epstein.
Trump has also urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to release additional documents, though the push from Capitol Hill could obtain documents the AG or Trump does not want released.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
29 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Chaotic street brawl caught on video in Cincinnati as officials probe 'breakdown of order'
Disturbing footage posted online shows the moment an unidentified man was violently attacked by an unruly mob in downtown Cincinnati in what officials are now calling a 'breakdown of order.' The viral video of the assault Friday night at the intersection of Fourth and Elm Streets started with a verbal dispute between at least two men, according to police chief Teresa Theetge. The carnage left at least two people, an unidentified male and female victim, injured, with WKRC reporting that a good Samaritan rushed them to a local hospital in the aftermath. Their conditions remain unclear as cops work to identify and arrest all of those involved. The shocking footage, originally posted to the Signal 99 Facebook page, shows an unidentified assailant attacking a man in a white t-shirt from behind. The man in the white shirt then tries to run away into the street, when the original assailant and one of his friends punch and tackle him to the ground. At that point, more people joined in on the assault, stomping on the victim for nearly a minute as he lay in the middle of the street. When the barrage of attacks temporarily stops, the victim could be seen attempting to stand - but he immediately falls over in apparent disorientation as frustrated drivers honk their horns to get the mob to move out of the way. One man could then be heard shouting, 'My man's drunk.' Moments later, an unidentified woman in a black dress could be seen trying to check on the fallen man - when another woman in the crowd grabs her and a separate man in the crowd violently punches her. The impact caused the woman to fall to he ground, with her head slamming into the concrete. It soon becomes clear that she is unconscious as blood spews from her mouth. The viral video ends with bystanders attempting to move the woman out of the street. Another video obtained by WKRC appears to show the moments leading up to the attack. It shows the man in the white t-shirt talking with the group, when he suddenly slaps a man in a red t-shirt. It also shows another man being targeted by the unruly mob. 'I am in complete disgust waking up to the viral video many of you have now seen,' Chief Theetge said on Saturday, after mayoral candidate and Vice President JD Vance's half brother reposted the video - arguing that the current administration is not doing enough to address crime in the city. 'The behavior is nothing short of cruel and absolutely unacceptable,' she continued, vowing that investigators will work 'diligently to identify every individual involved in causing harm.' Authorities have already spoken to two people seen in the video, Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police President Ken Kober told WKRC. 'They're doing everything they can,' he insisted. 'These investigators have been working around the clock to identify everybody that's involved, to be able to locate these people. to be able to interview them, to be able to get a true picture of exactly what occurred.' Investigators have also received tips on some of the attackers' identities, Kober revealed. 'I would ask... that the public play a part in this, because stuff like this shouldn't happen in our city, but when it does, we need people to step forward, that way we can bring these people to justice.' In separate remarks to WLWT, Kober called the violence 'disgusting.' 'What's equally disgusting is those who chose to watch and record instead of calling 911, attempting to defuse the situation or render aid.' Hamilton Township Police Chief Scott Hughes argued the video represented a 'breakdown of order, decency and accountability' Cincinnati city councilman Mark Jeffreys also described the video as 'incredibly disturbing and horrific' as well as 'downright inhumane.' He added that he has spoken with other city officials and police to work on 'finding the individuals responsible and arresting them urgently.' 'This behavior cannot stand and will not represent our city,' Jeffreys said. 'Those responsible must be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.' Similarly, Hamilton Township Police Chief Scott Hughes argued on X: 'What happened on Fourth Street in Cincinnati wasn't just a fight, it was a breakdown of order, decency and accountability - caught on video and cheered on by a crowd. 'This isn't just Cincinnati's problem, it's ours too,' he said, arguing that such violent attacks do not just stay in the city because 'the perception of danger ripples across the region,' discouraging residents from visiting evens and attractions. 'Families stop going out. Businesses stop investing. and cities lose the very momentum they worked to build,' Hughes wrote. 'This video isn't just another viral moment. It's a warning shot,' he concluded. 'We can either raise our voices or watch silence fund the chaos.' Cincinnati police data released on July 21 shows that the central business district and riverfront area where the assault took place has seen a 25 percent increase in violence compared to last year. It also shows that there were 12 aggravated assaults in the city between January 1 through July 21, compared to 16 during the same time period last year.
Sky News
an hour ago
- Sky News
PM to hold talks with Trump today - but will have to walk a fine diplomatic line
Gaza and transatlantic trade are set to dominate talks between Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer when the pair meet in Scotland later. Downing Street said the prime minister would discuss "what more can be done to secure the ceasefire [in the Middle East] urgently", during discussions at the president's Turnberry golf course in Ayrshire. Talks in Qatar over a ceasefire ended on Thursday after the US and Israel withdrew their negotiating teams. 13:22 Mr Trump blamed Hamas for the collapse of negotiations as he left the US for Scotland, saying the militant group "didn't want to make a deal… they want to die". Sir Keir has tried to forge close personal ties with the president - frequently praising his actions on the world stage despite clear foreign policy differences between the US and UK. The approach seemed to pay off in May when Mr Trump announced the agreement of a trade deal with the UK that would see several tariffs lowered. The two leaders are expected to discuss this agreement when they meet, with the prime minister likely to press the president for a lowering of outstanding tariffs on imports such as steel. 3:31 Prior to the visit, the White House said the talks would allow them to "refine the historic US-UK trade deal". That comes hot on the heels of the US reaching an agreement with the EU, which Mr Trump described as the "biggest dal ever made". This will see 15% tariffs imposed on most European goods entering America, despite the president previously threatening a 30% levy. 1:30 Extracting promises from the president on the Middle East may be harder though. Despite some reports that Mr Trump is growing frustrated with Israel, there is a clear difference in tone between the US and its Western allies. As he did over the Ukraine war, Sir Keir will have to walk a diplomatic line between the UK's European allies and the White House. On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country would formally recognise a Palestinian state in September, the first member of the G7 to do so. That move was dismissed by Mr Trump, who said it "doesn't carry any weight". 0:45 The UK, French and German leaders spoke over the weekend and agreed to work together on the "next phase" in Gaza that would see transitional governance and security arrangements put in place, alongside the large-scale delivery of aid. Under pressure from members of his own party and cabinet to follow France and signal formal recognition of Palestine, Sir Keir has gradually become more critical of Israel in recent months. On Friday, the prime minister said "the starvation and denial of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, the increasing violence from extremist settler groups, and Israel's disproportionate military escalation in Gaza are all indefensible". Government sources say UK recognition is a matter of "when, not if" - but it's thought Downing Street wants to ensure any announcement is made at a time when it can have the greatest diplomatic impact. 1:19 Cabinet ministers will be convened in the coming days, during the summer recess, to discuss the situation in Gaza. The UK has also been working with Jordan to air drop supplies, after Israel said it would allow foreign countries to provide aid to the territory. Donald Trump's trip to Scotland comes ahead of his second state visit to the UK in September. Downing Street says Ukraine will also likely be discussed in the meeting with both men reflecting on what can be done to force Russia back to the negotiating table. After the meeting at Turnberry, the prime minister will travel with the president to Aberdeen for a private engagement.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Donald Trump 'caught cheating' at his Scottish resort as caddie moves ball for him
A video has emerged from Donald Trump's golf course in Scotland appearing to show a caddie dropping a ball for the US President on the fairway as he played a shot Donald Trump has found himself embroiled in another golfing scandal after footage emerged seemingly showing a caddie dropping a ball for him during a round in Scotland. While on a European trip and visiting his golf resorts, the US President was caught on camera playing at Turnberry when it appeared one of his caddies may have overstepped the mark to help him. The video, shot from within a nearby building, captures Trump arriving by golf cart on the left side of the fairway. With a bunker and some light fescue between him and the green, as he stopped, two caddies walked past – with one seemingly pausing to place a ball in front of Trump. The 79 year old exited the cart, golf club in hand, and approached the newly positioned ball, seemingly ready to take his next stroke. The clip concludes before he takes the swing. the Express. "Who needs a foot wedge when you have a personal ball dropper? ? ?" joked one user on X, previously known as Twitter. Another user humorously suggested, "Him and Kim Jong Un would be INSANE scramble partners." A self-proclaimed PGA professional chimed in with, "Such a perfect metaphor for our Commander-in-Cheat." Some social media users playfully admired the incident. "Wild... Looks like I need these fellas as Caddies with the way I hit it anymore," one comment read. This is not the first instance of Trump being accused of bending the rules on the golf links. Is Donald Trump a cheat on the golf course? Earlier this year, Samuel L. Jackson, the esteemed actor, alleged that Trump had cheated during a game they played together. When queried about who was the better golfer, Jackson confidently stated: "Oh, I am, for sure. I don't cheat." Trump has since refuted the claims of having played with the 'Pulp Fiction' star, asserting on social media that such a game never took place. Actor Anthony Anderson has echoed similar sentiments. During an appearance on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers' in 2016, Anderson remarked, "Trump is a great golfer. I'm not going to say Trump cheats. His caddy cheats for him." When pressed for details on whether he witnessed Trump cheating, Anderson affirmed: "Oh yes, several times. Several times." He recounted an occasion where both he and Trump had poor tee shots. "Trump hit the exact same shot but went 20 yards further left than mine," he explained. "I couldn't find my ball in this trash. Trump's ball had the fluffiest lie in the middle of the fairway." Anderson concluded: "Like I say, I didn't see Trump cheat because he was on the tee-box with me, but his ball was right there in the middle of the fairway." Sportswriter Rick Reilly has delved into these allegations, asserting in 2019 that Trump frequently manipulated his ball's position and even took credit for others' shots. In an article for The Sunday Times, Reilly revealed that Trump's caddies had even dubbed him "Pele" due to his frequent ball-kicking antics. "To say Donald Trump cheats is like saying Michael Phelps swims," he penned. "Trump doesn't just cheat at golf. He cheats like a three-card monte dealer. "He throws it, boots it and moves it. Whether you're his pharmacist or Tiger Woods, if you're playing golf with him, he's going to cheat."
