Republican lawmakers in competitive districts are pushing back against President Trump’s stance on releasing Department of Justice files related to Jeffrey Epstein, defying the White House and facing backlash from Democrats.
Freshman Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) held a town hall meeting, where he expressed support for releasing the DOJ files despite the administration’s refusal. Mackenzie said that Congress should step in if the White House doesn’t release more information about the Epstein investigation, emphasizing the importance of transparency for the American people.
Other Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), also support releasing the files and have introduced resolutions to compel the administration to do so. The pushback from GOP lawmakers has drawn attention from Democratic groups, which see it as a sign of party divisions.
The issue remains contentious, with Trump trying to downplay criticism by labeling some of his supporters’ concerns as “fake news.” Meanwhile, Republican strategist Rina Shah notes that “MAGA voters are furious” and want more transparency on the Epstein investigation. The debate may determine whether the Republican Party prioritizes transparency or plays it safe.
As the fight for transparency continues, lawmakers in districts like Mackenzie’s and Perry’s will have to weigh their commitment to openness against potential backlash from the White House and establishment Republicans.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/07/24/nx-s1-5478924/trump-epstein-congress