House Early Recess Sparks GOP-Democrats Epstein Files Standoff

As the House entered a six-week summer recess, the Jeffrey Epstein scandal remained a central political flashpoint, with Democrats pressing Republicans to release government files related to the convicted sex offender. Despite some bipartisan support for transparency, including a motion passed in a House Oversight subcommittee and a discharge petition introduced by Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, Republican leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson, moved to avoid confrontations by canceling votes and shutting down key committees. This led to internal GOP dissent, with some House Republicans rebelling against leadership for not addressing the Epstein files more directly, prompting President Donald Trump to meet with GOP committee members amid growing unrest. Trump and congressional Republicans attempted to deflect attention, with the White House requesting court releases of grand jury transcripts, though a judge denied this request. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer dubbed the break the “Epstein recess,” highlighting the ongoing political tensions as members return to their districts, with expectations of renewed battles over transparency when Congress reconvenes.