In a rare bipartisan push, lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives are rallying behind a petition to force the release of all Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in federal custody continues to fuel controversy and speculation. The effort, led by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California, is gaining traction across party lines—despite resistance from GOP leadership and former President Donald Trump.
“There could be 100 or more Republicans who vote for this,” Massie said on Sunday, signaling a potential break from party orthodoxy. The discharge petition, which bypasses traditional leadership channels to force a floor vote, is expected to be brought forward this Tuesday.
A Bipartisan Demand for Transparency
The petition calls for the full release of Epstein-related files, including communications and investigative records held by the Justice Department. Sensitive information about victims and ongoing investigations would be redacted, but the core demand is clear: Congress wants answers, and it wants them now.
“This is about accountability,” Khanna said in a joint appearance with Massie. “The American people deserve to know who enabled Epstein, who protected him, and what systems failed to stop him.”
The push comes amid renewed public interest following the release of thousands of documents by the House Oversight Committee, including files from Epstein’s estate. Yet many lawmakers argue that the most critical records remain sealed, and that the Justice Department has not been fully transparent.
Trump’s Reversal and GOP Fractures
In a dramatic shift, President Trump—who had previously opposed the petition—issued a statement on Truth Social urging Republicans to support the release. “We have nothing to hide,” he wrote, “and it’s time to put these conspiracy theories to rest.”
The reversal came after leaked emails from the Oversight Committee showed Epstein and his associates discussing Trump, among other high-profile figures. While the emails did not implicate Trump directly, they reignited calls for full disclosure.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, however, remains skeptical. He has called the petition a “moot point,” citing the ongoing committee investigation. “They’re doing this to go after President Trump,” Johnson said on Fox News Sunday. “He does not have anything to do with Epstein’s crimes.”
But Massie and Khanna argue that the petition is not about political vendettas—it’s about institutional integrity. “This is not a partisan issue,” Massie said. “It’s a moral one.”
Public Pressure and Political Calculus
Outside the Capitol, protesters have gathered in support of the petition, holding signs that read “Release the Files” and “No More Secrets.” The movement has gained momentum on social media, with hashtags like #EpsteinFiles and #JusticeNow trending across platforms.
The surge in public pressure has made it politically risky for lawmakers to oppose the petition outright, especially as midterm elections loom and transparency becomes a rallying cry for voters across the spectrum.
Some analysts believe the vote could become a litmus test for political courage. “This is one of those moments where silence speaks volumes,” said political strategist Maya Delgado. “If you vote against transparency, you’re telling the public you’re comfortable with secrecy.”
What’s at Stake
The release of Epstein’s files could have far-reaching implications—not just for those directly implicated, but for the credibility of federal institutions. It could expose systemic failures in law enforcement, corrections, and judicial oversight.
It may also shed light on how powerful individuals used influence to evade accountability. “We need to know who turned a blind eye,” Khanna said. “And we need to ensure it never happens again.”
If the petition succeeds, the Justice Department will be compelled to release the files within a set timeframe, subject to redaction protocols. Legal experts warn that the process could be contentious, with potential lawsuits from individuals named in the documents.
A Defining Vote
As Tuesday’s vote approaches, the House finds itself at a crossroads. Will it choose transparency over political expediency? Will it confront uncomfortable truths or retreat into silence?
For Massie and Khanna, the answer is clear. “This is about justice,” Massie said. “And justice demands sunlight.”
