A leading Republican critic of President Trump has initiated a procedural effort to force a vote on the release of files related to the case of Jeffrey Epstein, a move that highlights divisions within the GOP regarding this issue, which is significant to the MAGA movement.
Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, noted for frequently diverging from Trump on key policies, began this maneuver on Tuesday night, potentially paving the way for a vote in the coming weeks.
This development occurs as numerous Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, have expressed support for releasing the Epstein files. Epstein died in federal custody while awaiting charges related to sex trafficking, despite Trump's insistence that the party move on from the topic.
The House has limited authority over the Justice Department, and even a successful vote demanding the release of these files would primarily serve as a symbolic gesture rather than a binding action.
This situation presents a test of whether Republicans, who have largely aligned with Trump, are ready to distance themselves from a president who demands unwavering loyalty.
Trump remarked on Wednesday that he no longer sought the backing of those who accepted what he termed the "Epstein bullshit."
Republicans are currently balancing the conflicting pressures from Trump and their constituents, who are increasingly calling for more transparency regarding the Epstein files.
On Tuesday, House Republicans united to block a Democratic proposal that aimed to force a debate on the file release. However, as constituent demand grows, GOP members are exploring alternative responses.
Massie, in conjunction with Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, filed a discharge petition, which allows any House member to bring legislation to the floor if it garners majority support, specifically 218 signatures.
By Wednesday afternoon, Massie had secured the backing of at least six Republicans, including Representatives Tim Burchett, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Eric Burlison, Jeff Van Drew, and Lauren Boebert, with the number of supporters increasing.
If all Democrats join, Massie would have sufficient votes to compel Speaker Johnson to schedule a vote, though Johnson could attempt to delay or propose an alternative measure to avert a contentious vote.
Khanna stated, "We already have six Republicans, and we have the leadership of the Rules Committee getting every Democrat on it. The math is obvious; we’re going to get a vote on the full release of these Epstein files. An overwhelming vote of Congress is not something the president can ignore, politically."
Although discharge petitions typically face significant challenges and have a low success rate, this particular issue, pivotal to Trump's political base and now capitalized on by Democrats, may prove to be an exception.
Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has shown broad support for the initiative, considering it one of the few avenues available to challenge Republicans on such a resonant issue. Representative Jim McGovern, the ranking Democrat on the Rules Committee, has also encouraged widespread support for the petition.
However, a delay may occur due to the rules governing discharge petitions, which prevent Massie and Khanna from collecting signatures for seven legislative days. With the House set to begin its summer recess on July 25, this timeline may push any action until after the August recess, creating potential complications in the political landscape.