Congressman Brands Trump ‘Epstein Administration’

A sitting Republican congressman just called Trump’s administration “the Epstein Administration” on national television, launching a blistering attack that exposes deep fractures within the GOP over the President’s shocking reversal on releasing Jeffrey Epstein’s files.

Story Snapshot

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) accused Trump of protecting “rich and powerful friends” by blocking Epstein file releases during a fiery ABC News interview
Massie successfully led a discharge petition forcing a House vote on transparency, defying Trump’s opposition and predicting over 100 GOP defections
Trump campaigned on releasing all Epstein files but reversed course once in office, dismissing transparency efforts as a “hoax”
Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna reviewed unredacted DOJ files and are now pushing for subpoenas of the Epstein estate

Congressman Declares Trump Protecting Elite Pedophiles

Rep. Thomas Massie pulled no punches during his November 16, 2025 appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” directly confronting President Trump’s betrayal of campaign promises. The Kentucky congressman branded the current administration “the Epstein Administration,” accusing Trump of shielding wealthy elites connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network. Massie warned fellow Republicans they would face devastating consequences in future elections if they continued protecting predators over children. This represents one of the most serious public Republican criticisms of Trump since he returned to office.

Campaign Promises Abandoned for Billionaire Friends

Trump explicitly promised full transparency on Epstein files during his 2024 campaign, building expectations among voters who believed he would drain the swamp. Once inaugurated for his second term, Trump completely reversed position, actively fighting against the release of unredacted documents. His attorney general nominee Pam Bondi initially hyped a supposed “client list” before quietly walking back those claims. Trump now dismisses the entire transparency effort as a “hoax” and conveniently launched investigations targeting Democrats, which Massie calls an obvious smokescreen. This flip-flop undermines the anti-establishment credentials Trump built his political brand upon.

Massie Forces Trump’s Hand Through Rare Parliamentary Move

Massie utilized a discharge petition to bypass standard legislative channels, forcing a House floor vote on releasing the Epstein files despite Trump’s opposition. This rare procedural maneuver succeeded, demonstrating significant Republican dissent against the President’s protective stance toward wealthy elites. Massie predicts a veto-proof majority with over 100 House Republicans ready to defy Trump on this issue. The congressman’s successful petition pressures the Senate to act, creating momentum that even presidential veto threats may not stop. This represents exactly the kind of constitutional check Americans expect when any administration, regardless of party, protects the powerful over justice.

Bipartisan Push for Truth Reveals Troubling Pattern

Following the ABC interview, Massie partnered with Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna to review unredacted Epstein files at the Department of Justice. The bipartisan duo held a press conference urging subpoenas of the Epstein estate, particularly targeting a reported “birthday book” containing additional names. Khanna emphasized “standing with survivors” while Massie focused on “protecting children,” showing this issue transcends typical party politics. Their DOJ access confirmed files exist but remain hidden from public view. Limited government principles demand transparency when government officials potentially shield connected elites from accountability for heinous crimes against children.

Massie has a history of defying Trump on matters of constitutional principle, including votes on Yemen war powers, COVID spending bills, and border emergency declarations. Trump previously solicited primary challengers against Massie, calling him a “third-rate grandstander,” yet the congressman continues winning reelection with strong constituent support. This latest clash differs because it strikes at fundamental values conservatives hold: protecting children and holding elite predators accountable regardless of wealth or connections. If Trump vetoes transparency legislation, he validates every criticism about Washington protecting its own while ordinary Americans face the full weight of justice for far lesser offenses.