Republican lawmakers have voted to block a Democratic-led attempt to force the release of the so-called “Epstein files,” a large cache of sealed evidence from the late Jeffrey Epstein’s federal sex trafficking case.
The move has intensified political tensions over transparency and accountability related to one of the most notorious criminal investigations in modern U.S. history.
The measure, proposed as an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), was attached to broader cryptocurrency legislation. It would have compelled the Department of Justice to release a comprehensive list of materials seized in the 2019 case, including thousands of hours of video footage, microcassettes, hard drives, DVDs, and CDs — some labeled with disturbing notations such as “girl pics nude book 4.” The list also includes physical items like massage tables seized from Epstein’s properties.
Khanna framed the issue starkly: “The question with Epstein is: Whose side are you on? Are you on the side of the rich and powerful, or are you on the side of the people?”
Despite his impassioned plea, the House Rules Committee — dominated by Republicans — voted down the amendment, blocking it from reaching the floor for a full vote.
GOP Infighting and MAGA Movement Divisions
The decision comes amid growing fractures within the conservative “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) wing. Earlier this year, Trump’s attorney general and current legal advisor, Pam Bondi, teased the release of the Epstein client list and evidence, stoking speculation that high-profile figures might be implicated.
But just ten days ago, Bondi abruptly reversed course. She declared that the Trump administration had reviewed the materials, determined that Epstein had died by suicide, and decided against releasing the evidence — a move that ignited backlash within Trump’s base.
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and popular MAGA figure, reportedly clashed with Bondi over the decision, even threatening resignation. According to The Daily Beast, Bongino hasn’t returned to work since a July 9 altercation with Bondi. President Trump, sources say, has sided with Bondi, and enlisted Vice President J.D. Vance to mediate the internal dispute.
Despite public outcry, including from far-right voices like Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Steve Bannon, and Megyn Kelly — all of whom have called for the files to be released — the GOP-led committee blocked the path forward.
Growing Public Demand for Transparency
New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP
A recent CNN poll pointed out how politically fraught the Epstein case has become. Half of Americans surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with the amount of information released so far — including 56% of Democrats, 52% of independents, and 40% of Republicans. Only 3% said they were satisfied with the government’s transparency.
The Epstein investigation, which began with a controversial 2005 plea deal that allowed him to avoid federal prosecution, continues to raise questions about the influence of wealth and power over justice. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide — a conclusion many continue to question.
Ghislaine Maxwell Pushes Back in Court
Meanwhile, Epstein’s longtime associate and convicted co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell, has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to enforce a non-prosecution agreement she claims was part of Epstein’s original 2007 Florida plea deal.
Maxwell’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, criticized the Justice Department, stating: “When the United States gives its word, it should keep it.”
Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence. Some reports suggest she may be willing to testify before Congress in exchange for a reduced sentence under Rule 35 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure — a provision allowing sentence reductions for substantial cooperation. However, prosecutors have shown little appetite for further pursuing figures in Epstein’s orbit, despite widespread public concern over who else may have been involved.
Broader Implications for Press Freedom and Political Accountability
The controversy surrounding the Epstein files comes amid ongoing scrutiny of former President Trump’s treatment of the press and judicial institutions. Critics argue that efforts to block the release of information further erode public trust in government transparency and accountability — particularly in cases involving elite networks of power.
As the political and legal maneuvering continues, Rep. Khanna vowed not to back down: “I will introduce this again and again and again.”
