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BREAKING: The US House has the 218 Votes needed to force Trump to release the full Epstein files. GIANG

Republicans Push for Release of Epstein Files Despite Trump’s Resistance

Growing GOP Pressure to Make Epstein Files Public

Some Republicans now acknowledge privately that it is becoming inevitable: Congress will pass legislation directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all Epstein files in the Department of Justice’s possession. The pressure comes from lawmakers, activists, and the public, who argue that transparency is long overdue.

President Trump has tried to wave aside repeated calls from Republicans and MAGA activists to make the Epstein records public. But GOP lawmakers admit privately that Trump is losing ground in his effort to move past a controversy that has dogged the White House for months.

Republican Senator: “Sooner or Later” Congress Will Act

One Republican senator, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the topic, told The Hill that Congress will “sooner or later” pass legislation requiring Bondi to release all unclassified Epstein files.

The senator noted that while many Republicans followed Speaker Mike Johnson’s guidance and avoided signing a House discharge petition, they still remain vocal in demanding transparency. “Most of the Freedom Caucus has been,” the lawmaker said. “The problem for some of these folks is that this has been an issue for years.”

When Bondi commented back in February that a list of Epstein’s clients “is sitting on [her] desk right now to review,” expectations skyrocketed. According to the senator, that remark was “really unwise” because it created public anticipation that names of high-profile individuals connected to Epstein would be revealed.

House Petition Gathers Momentum

At the center of the legislative push is a discharge petition in the House sponsored by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.). Their measure seeks to force a vote on a bill that would require Bondi to release the Epstein files.

The petition is only one signature short of the 218 needed. Once Arizona fills the vacant seat left by the late Rep. Raúl Grijalva in a September 23 special election, his daughter Adelita—favored to win—would likely provide the final signature.

So far, only four House Republicans have signed: Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), Nancy Mace (S.C.), and Lauren Boebert (Colo.). But many more Republicans are expected to vote for the measure if it reaches the floor.

Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), for example, hasn’t signed the petition but insists the public deserves to know the truth. “The American people are sick and tired of being lied to by their government,” he said in July.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) echoed that sentiment, telling ABC News he was “ticked off” when Trump dismissed the Epstein files as a hoax by Democrats.

Senate Debate and Schumer’s Surprise Move

The Senate has been more cautious. Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) declined to speculate whether he would bring House-passed legislation to the floor, calling it a “hypothetical.” Still, Thune acknowledged there is “loud” demand within his party for transparency from Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel.

“I believe transparency is always best,” Thune said. “You should get as much information out there as you possibly can in a way that protects the rights of the victims.”

Thune was caught off guard when Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer offered an amendment to the annual defense authorization bill directing DOJ to release the Epstein files. Because Thune hadn’t locked down the amendment process, Schumer forced Republicans into a politically awkward vote.

Despite GOP leadership calling it a “stunt,” Sens. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) defected, voting with Democrats. Hawley argued that releasing the Epstein files was consistent with his long-held belief in government transparency. “Just like with the MLK files and JFK files, the American people are entitled to the truth,” Hawley said.

Rand Paul, usually quiet on the issue, said principle demanded his support. “People are losing faith in government,” Paul explained. “They think rich people get treated differently. Releasing the Epstein files would reassure people that justice is equal.”

Divisions Within the GOP

While only a handful of Republicans have signed the discharge petition, insiders say support runs deeper than it appears. Paul suggested that GOP leadership is pressuring members not to break ranks. “They’re trying whatever they can to squelch dissent with brute force,” he said.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) voted against Schumer’s amendment for procedural reasons but indicated he would back a straightforward proposal to make the Epstein files public. “If there was an amendment on the floor that would have the force of law, I’d vote for it in a heartbeat,” he said.

Appropriations Amendment Adds More Pressure

Momentum is also building through the appropriations process. This summer, Republicans on the Senate Appropriations Committee supported an amendment by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) to require DOJ to compile and preserve all records related to Epstein.

The amendment directs Attorney General Bondi to submit a detailed report to Congress covering:

  • Victim testimony

  • Investigations into co-conspirators

  • An intelligence review of Epstein’s financial networks

  • Potential ties to U.S. and foreign governments

This bipartisan move reflects a growing consensus that only full disclosure of the Epstein files can restore public trust.

Public Pressure and Political Costs

Public frustration with secrecy surrounding Epstein’s connections has only intensified. Activists argue that without transparency, suspicions will continue that wealthy and powerful figures are being protected.

Republican lawmakers sense the political cost of inaction. As Rep. Burlison said: “The American people deserve to know the truth.”

Conclusion: Release Appears Inevitable

Despite President Trump’s reluctance, the tide is turning within the GOP. With House signatures nearing completion, Senate defections surfacing, and appropriations language already adopted, it appears increasingly inevitable that legislation mandating release of the Epstein files will pass Congress.

Whether or not Trump continues to resist, Republicans acknowledge that the controversy is not going away—and that transparency may be the only way forward.

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