White House Pressures Congress to Withhold Epstein Files Amid Bipartisan Release Push

There is growing bipartisan pressure in Congress and from survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse to release government files related to Epstein, amid allegations of a White House cover-up. Rep. Robert Garcia and others accuse President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi of withholding key information despite Trump’s past association with Epstein, which Trump denies. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna are leading a bipartisan effort with the Epstein Files Transparency Act and a discharge petition to force the release of unclassified files, arguing it is necessary for justice and restoring public trust. Some Republicans, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, have supported the release, while the White House reportedly pressures others to oppose it, framing transparency efforts as hostile. The controversy intensified after the Department of Justice retracted earlier claims about the existence of an incriminating 'client list,' fueling suspicions that powerful individuals connected to Epstein are being protected. Survivors and lawmakers continue to call on President Trump to use his influence to facilitate the release of the files to bring closure and accountability to this longstanding scandal.