Despite efforts by President Trump and his allies to put the Jeffrey Epstein controversy behind them, a bipartisan push in Congress is threatening to thrust the issue back into the spotlight—potentially with serious political consequences.
Lawmakers from both parties are advancing legislation that would compel the Department of Justice to release all remaining documents tied to Epstein’s network. Supporters say the American public deserves to know who is named in the sealed files and the extent of Epstein’s influence.
According to a report from The Daily Beast, as momentum builds on Capitol Hill, the Trump administration has quietly shifted into damage control. All inquiries related to Epstein are now funneled through the administration’s central communications office before being passed to the president, signaling growing concern over what new disclosures could bring.
Sources familiar with the strategy told the outlet that President Trump has “moved on” from the matter, leaving it in the hands of the Justice Department. The department has already petitioned a federal court to unseal grand jury testimony in connection with the case.
Still, those close to the president admit they are struggling to develop a consistent response. A veteran GOP strategist told The Daily Beast that Trump’s team remains reactive, not proactive.
“The president always operates from a place of self-interest—what benefits him politically or financially,” the strategist said. “But in this case, no one knows what that is, and it shows.”
President Trump has attempted to dismiss the renewed scrutiny as politically motivated. Earlier this month, he posted to Truth Social:
“I’ve had more success in 6 months than perhaps any president in our country’s history, and all the media wants to talk about—at the urging of desperate Democrats—is the Epstein Hoax. Let them go ahead. I don’t want their support anyway!”
Trump’s past association with Epstein has repeatedly resurfaced, but the controversy has escalated during his second term. On Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Trump in May that his name appears in documents slated for release.
The next day, Politico reported that Trump was overheard trying to distance himself from Epstein in private, while acknowledging the political risk:
“I had nothing to do with Epstein’s crimes,” he reportedly said. “But they’re going to f— me anyway.”
The remark has fueled unrest among Trump’s conservative base. Some critics argue the administration’s response conflicts with core promises Trump made in 2016, particularly the pledge to hold elites accountable.
“Trump was elected on a promise to go after the corrupt elite,” conservative commentator Matt Walsh told The Daily Beast. “The Epstein issue taps directly into that. The MAGA base won’t just let this go.”
Democrats, sensing a political opening, are ramping up pressure. Axios reports the Democratic National Committee is preparing a wave of targeted digital ads aimed at vulnerable Republicans, especially on platforms popular with right-leaning voters like Fox News, Charlie Kirk, and Ben Shapiro.
“Call your representative. Demand they release the Epstein files,” one ad urges.
Another video highlights a rare break in Republican ranks: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene calling Epstein “a serious issue,” in contrast to the administration’s messaging. Yet another ad replays widely circulated photos of Trump and Epstein together.
Tim Hogan, senior adviser for the DNC, said Democrats plan to keep up the pressure.
“Republicans in Congress and the Trump administration are trying to bury the truth, but Americans won’t be fooled,” Hogan said. “We’ll continue demanding transparency on Epstein, and we’ll make sure voters remember who stood in the way.”
With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, the Epstein saga appears far from over—and Trump’s inner circle knows it.
