House Democrats Divided on Epstein Files Messaging Amid GOP Attacks

House Democrats remain divided over the political strategy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files, with some members privately expressing frustration over the party’s continued focus on the issue during the August recess, despite Leader Hakeem Jeffries urging sustained attention on Epstein to challenge Republicans. President Trump, while preparing for a trip to Scotland, has sought to deflect scrutiny by highlighting prominent Democrats with past associations to Epstein, including Larry Summers and Bill Clinton, and has pushed for the release of grand jury transcripts related to the case, though a judge has kept them sealed. Meanwhile, Democrats continue to leverage the Epstein controversy as a political tool, aiming to split Trump's MAGA base, while Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, call for full disclosure but caution about protecting innocent parties. Epstein accuser Maria Farmer has expressed a desire to testify and gain access to records, adding another layer to the ongoing investigations. The political debate over Epstein's files underscores broader tensions as both parties navigate public perception and legal complexities tied to high-profile figures. Despite internal tensions, Democrats maintain that their focus on Epstein is part of a broader effort to hold Trump accountable, even as some lawmakers prefer to shift attention to more substantive policy issues.