A deepening divide within the Republican Party over the handling of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein is putting fresh pressure on President Donald Trump, with key GOP allies—including House Speaker Mike Johnson—urging more transparency from his administration.
The controversy is threatening to splinter Trump’s political base, tarnishing his reputation as a no-nonsense reformer and handing Democrats a potent political opportunity.
Despite the president’s attempts to downplay the uproar surrounding the late sex offender, momentum continued to build on Capitol Hill Tuesday. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a libertarian-leaning conservative who often breaks with Trump, announced plans to file a discharge petition that could force a vote on releasing sealed Epstein-related files.
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) joined Democrats in trying to tie Epstein file disclosure to unrelated cryptocurrency legislation, while Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) called for Ghislaine Maxwell—convicted in 2021 for aiding Epstein’s sex crimes—to testify publicly.
Speaker Mike Johnson, one of Trump’s most loyal allies, also broke ranks slightly, telling conservative host Benny Johnson that Attorney General Pam Bondi should “come forward and explain” remarks she made about reviewing an Epstein client list—remarks that have since been contradicted by the Justice Department.
Bondi previously told Fox News she had the list “on her desk,” but DOJ officials recently declared there was no additional information available for release. The contradiction has enraged Trump supporters online, many of whom see the Epstein case as a defining issue.
“I like Pam, I think she’s done a good job, but we need DOJ focused on major priorities,” Johnson said, though he added that “transparency” was the best path forward.
Trump, who has remained a favorite among grassroots conservatives, has delivered on major campaign promises this year—from immigration enforcement to tax reform. But his response to the Epstein saga—a long-running fixation for many on the right—has created a major flashpoint.
“I don’t understand why the Jeffrey Epstein case would be of interest to anybody. It’s pretty boring stuff,” Trump told reporters Tuesday. “It’s sordid, but it’s boring. And I think only bad people and fake news want to keep pushing it.”
Earlier that day, Trump publicly supported Bondi, saying she had handled the matter “very well.” But his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, also called for “more transparency” during a separate interview with Benny Johnson.
Trump added that Bondi had given him a “very quick” briefing about the Epstein file review by the DOJ and FBI, before abruptly suggesting—without evidence—that the files may have been fabricated by ex-FBI Director James Comey, former President Obama, and the Biden administration.
During a cabinet meeting earlier this month, Bondi tried to clarify her “on my desk” comment, claiming she was referring broadly to files including those on JFK and MLK, not just Epstein.
Meanwhile, Bondi continues to face scrutiny. She told reporters Tuesday she would not resign and would remain as attorney general as long as Trump wants her in the role. She also insisted the Epstein situation hadn’t disrupted DOJ operations and said she is working closely with FBI Director Kash Patel.
However, she refused to answer questions about her working relationship with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and podcaster who has previously questioned the DOJ’s handling of the case.
Trump said Sunday that Bongino plans to remain in the administration. “I spoke to him today,” Trump said. “Dan Bongino—very good guy. I’ve done his show many times. He sounded terrific.”
A new CNN/SSRS poll released Tuesday underscored the political damage. Just 3% of Americans said they were satisfied with the government’s disclosures on Epstein. Among Republicans, 40% expressed dissatisfaction, while 52% of independents felt the same.
Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges involving prostitution of minors and died in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide by both a medical examiner and FBI investigation.
Conservative lawmakers continue to walk a fine line—balancing Trump’s legislative agenda with the demands of voters who want major spending cuts and full transparency in the Epstein case.
On Tuesday, House Democrats pushed for a vote to compel release of the documents. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Congress should act if the Trump administration refuses to do so.
“The American people deserve to know the truth,” Jeffries said. “What, if anything, is the Trump administration and DOJ hiding?”
