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Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, and progressive Representative Ro Khanna from California, have come together to demand subpoenas against Jeffrey Epstein’s estate.
During an appearance on ABC News’ “This Week” with host Jonathan Karl, Massie and Khanna revealed their call for subpoenas and accompanying legislation. Their proposed legislation would require a House vote on the release of the government’s Epstein files.
“I believe we need to obtain more than just the book. Let’s access the financial records of the estate. Where is the money – follow the money trail, as they say up here,” stated Massie. “We should examine the plea bargain. Open it up. See what agreement was made. There is much more to uncover beyond that letter.”
Massie also mentioned the alleged birthday letter that President Donald Trump reportedly wrote to Epstein in 2003. Although the letter was initially reported by the Wall Street Journal, Trump has denied its existence and has sued the paper for defamation.
The legislators have introduced a bill that would compel the Epstein estate and the federal government to release all documents related to Epstein’s offenses.
“The bill would mandate a full disclosure of the files. It carries the weight of the law. It is not a simple request. It has provisions to redact victims’ identities and prevent the disclosure of child pornography,” explained Massie.
House Speaker Mike Johnson avoided a planned vote on the legislation by starting the August recess a day early. Johnson criticized Massie and Khanna on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” labeling their actions as “reckless.”
While expressing support for maximum disclosure of the Epstein files, Johnson argued that the legislation proposed by Massie and Khanna lacks necessary protections.
Many Republicans have accused Democrats of fixating on the Epstein case now that it has implications for the White House. Critics suggest that Democrats have suddenly taken an interest in the issue after years of neglect, although Khanna refutes these allegations.
“We have been advocating for transparency during the Biden administration. In both 2021 and 2024, the court ordered the release of documents, but Donald Trump raised the stakes and justified it in his campaign. He stated, ‘When I take office, I will release the files,'” Khanna explained to ABC.
