GOP Senator Says She Went from ‘I Don’t Care’ to ‘I See What the Big Deal Is’ After Reviewing Unredacted Epstein Files

Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming says she has changed her view on the release of materials connected to Jeffrey Epstein after examining unredacted documents tied to the convicted sex offender.

In remarks to Capitol Hill reporter Pablo Manriquez on Monday, Feb. 9, Lummis said that although she had previously dismissed congressional efforts to compel disclosure, reviewing the files clarified the significance of the issue.

“I understand what the big deal is,” Lummis said. While she had earlier stated, “I don’t care,” about attempts to force the release of Epstein-related evidence, she now believes the matter is “worth investigating.”

“And the members of Congress that have been pushing this were not wrong,” she added.

Lummis’ revised position follows the Department of Justice’s release of millions of pages of Epstein-related materials over the past two months. Many of those records contained substantial redactions, removing names and contextual details. Lawmakers were granted access this week to review unredacted versions.

After examining portions of the documents, Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna — who led a bipartisan push for disclosure — said they identified at least six names they described as “likely incriminated” by their appearance in the files, according to The Hill.

Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who also reviewed unredacted materials, criticized the Justice Department’s handling of the records.

“I think that the Department of Justice has been in a cover-up mode for many months and has been trying to sweep the entire thing under the rug,” Raskin told reporters on Monday.

Over the weekend, survivors connected to Epstein’s case called for the release of additional records, accusing the Trump administration of withholding more than 3 million files.

An advertisement aired during Sunday’s Super Bowl featured survivors holding photographs of their younger selves. A voiceover declared: “After years of being ripped apart, we are standing together. Because this girl deserves the truth. Because we all deserve the truth.”

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has defended the administration’s actions, rejecting claims that documents are being concealed. Speaking last month, Blanche suggested that further disclosures might not satisfy public expectations.

“There’s a hunger or a thirst for information that I do not think will be satisfied by the review of these documents,” Blanche said.

He also addressed speculation about undisclosed evidence.

“There’s this built-in assumption that somehow there’s this hidden tranche of information … that we’re covering up, or that we’re choosing not to prosecute,” Blanche said. “That is not the case.”

Blanche added that prosecutions would proceed if credible evidence emerges.

“If we learn about information and evidence that allows us to prosecute them, you better believe we will,” he said. “But I don’t think that the public … are going to uncover men within the Epstein files that abuse women, unfortunately.”