Republican Targeted by Trump Says Epstein Issue 'Not Going To Go Away'
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Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who has faced numerous rebukes from President Donald Trump, said that the issue revolving around the Jeffrey Epstein investigation is "symbolic" and "not going to go away."
"The controversy has legs," one expert told Newsweek in part, "because it taps into broader concerns about elite accountability, corruption, and justice for victims, which resonate in an era of declining trust in institutions."
Why It Matters
The battle over releasing documents tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case has created a rare bipartisan push in Congress and highlighted internal divisions among Republicans, including opposition to Trump administration officials from some party members.
The controversy over transparency and accountability in the Epstein investigation remains a focal point for the public, with polls indicating most Americans—across party lines—believe the federal government is concealing evidence related to the case. The issue resonates deeply in districts where President Trump and Republicans have performed strongly in recent elections.
Calls for visibility into the files extend well beyond standard partisanship, given the gravity of the sexual abuse and trafficking allegations involved.
What To Know
Speaking about the controversy surrounding the investigation, Massie said on Wednesday, "Well, I don't think this issue is going to go away. I think it's going to fester over the August recess."
Massie continued: "I also think it's sort of symbolic of why the American people gave Trump the White House and gave us majorities in the House and the Senate is because they believed for so many years their votes didn't matter—that there was a group of people that were untouchable because of their power, or influence or money and that the DOJ couldn't get to them, that no matter who they elected nothing ever changed, and that Trump would come up here and disrupt that."
"It's not going to go away," Massie later said.
The president and Massie have been embroiled in numerous public tiffs over funding bills, Trump saying he will back Massie's primary opponent in the upcoming election for his House seat, and now differing public opinions on the Epstein files.
Massie, along with Democratic Representative Ro Khanna, has introduced a petition to force a vote in the House to release a complete host of files related to the Epstein investigation.
In the 2024 congressional election, Massie won his seat as he ran unopposed, and his district also voted for Trump in the presidential election.
Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) can be seen speaking to reporters following a series of votes at the U.S. Capitol on March 11, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by)
Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) can be seen speaking to reporters following a series of votes at the U.S. Capitol on March 11, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by)
What People Are Saying
Trump on Truth Social on Tuesday: "truthsocial.com/@FireThomasMas. Thomas Massie, the worst Republican Congressman, and an almost guaranteed NO VOTE each and every time, is an Embarrassment to Kentucky. He's lazy, slow moving, and totally disingenuous - A real loser! Never has anything positive to add. Looking for someone good to run against this guy, someone I can Endorse and vigorously campaign for!"
Massie on X on Tuesday: "I introduced the only binding congressional legislation to release the Epstein files and already have 20 sponsors. In return, the attacks on me intensified. As you can guess I'm not backing down, I'm fighting, but I need your support to stay in the ring: https://secure.thomasmassie.com/donate"
Political analyst Craig Agranoff to Newsweek via text message Wednesday: "Massie's assertion that the Epstein issue will not fade away highlights the enduring public and political scrutiny surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's network and the unreleased files potentially implicating high-profile figures across both parties.
I interpret this as a recognition of the bipartisan momentum building for transparency, especially with Massie's resolution gaining cosponsors and public support hovering around 79 percent for full disclosure.
"Yes, I agree. The controversy has legs because it taps into broader concerns about elite accountability, corruption, and justice for victims, which resonate in an era of declining trust in institutions. As we approach the midterms, Republicans would be wise to lean into calls for release rather than resist them. Proactively supporting investigations could neutralize Democratic criticisms and appeal to independent voters seeking reform, though it carries risks if the files reveal uncomfortable ties within their own ranks. Stonewalling, on the other hand, might fuel perceptions of a cover-up and energize opposition turnout."
What Happens Next
Meanwhile, House Democrats and some Republicans have pledged to continue pushing for a floor vote on fully unredacted releases of all Epstein-related files, despite the early start of the House's summer recess—an action taken by Speaker Mike Johnson.
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