Jared Evan

(TJV) In a striking shift, leading House Democrats are moving to force the full release of all files related to Jeffrey Epstein—years after largely ignoring bipartisan calls for transparency during the Biden administration.

Why are the Epstein files still hidden? Who are the rich & powerful being protected?

On Tuesday, I’m introducing an amendment to force a vote demanding the FULL Epstein files be released to the public. The Speaker must call a vote & put every Congress member on record.

— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) July 13, 2025

The renewed push comes after a Department of Justice and FBI memo released last week claimed there is no official “client list” tied to Epstein’s network and reaffirmed that the disgraced financier died by suicide in 2019. That conclusion—long questioned by the public and across the political spectrum—has reignited outrage, particularly among conservatives and populist voices who have accused federal authorities of covering for powerful individuals.

Now, Democrats say they want answers too.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) announced Saturday he will introduce an amendment this week to compel a vote on making all Epstein-related files public. His measure would force House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to bring the issue to the floor, requiring lawmakers to go on record over whether to release the documents. “Why are the Epstein files still hidden? Who are the rich & powerful being protected?” Khanna asked.

Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) echoed the call for transparency, saying he will introduce a parallel resolution. Veasey appeared to suggest the Trump administration is hiding something. “Either [Trump] and his acolytes fueled the rumors of the significance of these Epstein files to help his campaign, or something is there! That’s why on Monday, I’ll introduce a resolution demanding the Trump Administration release all files related to the Epstein case. Put up or shut up!” he said.

Either @realDonaldTrump and his acolytes fueled the rumors of the significance of these Epstein files to help his campaign, or something is there! That’s why on Monday, I’ll introduce a resolution demanding the Trump Administration release all files related to the Epstein case.… pic.twitter.com/ZRwPLz0Vlu

— Rep. Marc Veasey (@RepVeasey) July 13, 2025

Critics have pointed out that Democrats had ample opportunity to release Epstein records during President Biden’s time in office, but only now, as scrutiny mounts and election-year tensions rise, are some demanding action.

The DOJ memo at the center of the latest controversy concluded that Epstein’s death at New York’s Metropolitan Correctional Center was not the result of foul play. It also insisted that after an “exhaustive review,” no client list exists—a statement that contradicts earlier remarks from former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who previously claimed such a list was “sitting on my desk.” That discrepancy has fueled renewed speculation about blackmail, cover-ups, and high-profile protection.

Trump-aligned figures reacted with fury. Conservative activist Laura Loomer called for Bondi’s resignation, accusing her of undermining the DOJ’s credibility and demoralizing Trump’s voter base. “The American people and MAGA base will not tolerate being lied to,” Loomer posted, warning the fallout could damage GOP turnout in 2026.

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson also issued a dire warning about the implications of the government’s handling of the Epstein case. “This is honestly one of the craziest things I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” Carlson said. “I don’t want a revolution, but if you wanted a revolution, this is how you would act.”

President Donald Trump, asked about Epstein during a recent Cabinet meeting press exchange, appeared frustrated. “You’re asking—we have Texas, we have this, we have all of the things, and are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable,” he said. He later dismissed the controversy as politically motivated.

On Truth Social, Trump suggested the Epstein files were fabricated by his political enemies, likening them to the Steele dossier. “They created the Epstein Files, just like they created the FAKE Hillary Clinton/Christopher Steele Dossier,” he wrote. Trump also insisted that if there were truly anything damaging in those files, Democrats would have used it already to destroy the MAGA movement.

Despite those claims, Democrats now seem committed to putting the issue front and center—at least rhetorically. Whether it results in actual public access to Epstein’s long-hidden files remains to be seen.

But one thing is clear: years after Epstein’s death, the political fight over what he knew—and who might be implicated—is far from over.