Democrats are pushing the issue by passing a vote for a subpoena of the records and running Epstein-related TV ads in swing districts, including in Pennsylvania.

House Speaker Mike Johnson insisted that the drama surrounding late child sex predator Jeffrey Epstein “is not a hoax” and that lawmakers want to see justice for the victims.

During Mr. Trump's first term, his labor secretary, Alexander Acosta, resigned following criticism of his handling of Epstein's 2008 plea deal when he was a federal prosecutor in Florida. Epstein served 13 months in a jail work-release program after he was originally accused of sexually abusing dozens of girls and young women.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, one of the loudest voices calling for release of Jeffrey Epstein's criminal file, grapples with how much can be public.

Forcing disclosure of the materials from the investigations was delayed, to the consternation of many GOP and Dem voters, but they will have to come to a decision on their return from recess. The question becomes what the lawmakers can -- or will -- do.

Today, the Department of Justice met with Epstein co-conspirator and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell in Florida. Republicans on the House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Maxwell to testify before the panel remotely on August 11.

Republican Representative Thomas Massie and Democratic Representative Ro Khanna said the lack of transparency is reinforcing public perceptions that the rich and powerful live beyond the reach of the judicial system.

The controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein impacts public trust in the Trump administration and poses challenges for Republicans in the 2026 midterms. Lawmakers push for transparency in Epstein's files,