Khanna Leads Push for Epstein Files, Says 'Not About Trump'

In a high-stakes political showdown, Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna has emerged as a leading voice demanding the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, framing the effort as a pursuit of justice for survivors rather than an attack on former President Donald Trump. Khanna, partnering with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, successfully forced a House floor vote after garnering 218 signatures on a discharge petition.

The Bipartisan Push

Khanna emphasized that the movement transcends political divisions, stating on NBC's "Meet the Press": "What we're asking for is justice for the survivors... It's not about Donald Trump. I don't even know how involved Trump was." He highlighted that survivors will meet with lawmakers this week to press their case directly to the Trump administration.

Trump's Fiery Response

President Trump dismissed the effort as a "hoax" on Truth Social, accusing Democrats of using it to "deflect" from government failures. "The Democrats are trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax again because they'll do anything at all to deflect," he wrote. The White House has rejected calls for transparency, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claiming: "These emails prove absolutely nothing other than the fact that President Trump did nothing wrong."

Republican Defiance

Despite Trump's pressure, several Republicans have refused to withdraw their support for the petition. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene questioned the administration's resistance: "It really makes you wonder what is in those files and who and what country is putting so much pressure on him?" Rep. Nancy Mace declared: "I stand with all survivors." Massie predicts "100 or more" Republicans could vote to release the files, potentially securing a veto-proof majority.

Document Dump and Political Firestorm

The controversy intensified after the House Oversight Committee released 20,000 pages of Epstein documents, which included emails mentioning Trump but no evidence of wrongdoing. Sen. Chris Murphy criticized Trump's call for Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Democrats, calling it a "protection racket for Donald Trump" that threatens democracy.

What's Next?

The House vote looms as a test of Trump's influence within his party. Khanna argues the release aligns with Trump's 2016 campaign promises to dismantle a "corrupt governing elite," stating: "He's forgotten those forgotten Americans." Meanwhile, Senate Republicans remain noncommittal, with Majority Whip John Barrasso deeming the issue less critical than "getting the country back on track."

"If you gave me a choice, I'd rather the president reverse course. I'd rather he released all these files." – Rep. Ro Khanna

The outcome could reshape political alliances and determine whether the Epstein investigation becomes a defining issue of Trump's second term.