In a late-night Capitol vote Monday, House Republicans blocked a Democratic attempt to unseal documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
The GOP voted down the proposal amid internal MAGA tensions over the Trump administration’s reversal on releasing the files.
Democrats’ Failed Amendment Effort
Democrats had proposed an amendment to the GENIUS Act, a cryptocurrency bill, that would have forced a Congressional vote compelling the Justice Department to release Epstein-related documents. The House Rules Committee voted 6-5 against it, with only one Republican siding with Democrats.
DOJ Closes Epstein Probe, MAGA Base Erupts
The Justice Department recently announced it was closing the Epstein investigation, affirming his death was a suicide and dismissing the existence of an incriminating client list. This angered many in the MAGA base, especially since administration figures like Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel had previously vowed to pursue the case further.
Democrats Troll Republicans Over Epstein Files
Democrats seized on the GOP’s divisions. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) demanded the full release of Epstein files, while Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) mocked Republicans in a parody song. The Democratic National Committee also launched the “TrumpEpsteinBot” on X, posting “no” daily in response to whether Trump has released the files.
Trump Shifts Blame with Conspiracy Claim
Trump pushed back on Truth Social, claiming Democrats fabricated the Epstein files and linked them to other alleged conspiracies like the “Russia Hoax” and the Steele Dossier.
“We have a PERFECT Administration… and ‘selfish people’ are trying to hurt it, all over a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein,” Trump wrote.
Epstein Files Likely to Stay Hidden
With the GOP blocking Democratic efforts and the DOJ closing its probe, Epstein’s files appear likely to remain sealed for the foreseeable future — even as Trump’s second term progresses.
For more on the Epstein files, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.