Republicans Block Epstein File Release Amid Internal Criticism

The Jeffrey Epstein files controversy remains a heated topic within the Republican Party and among President Donald Trump's supporters, with significant internal conflict and public criticism. Trump has criticized his own supporters for demanding more transparency, calling the Epstein list a Democratic hoax and labeling some Republicans as "stupid," which has drawn sharp rebukes from figures like Joy Behar and Candace Owens, who accuse him of underestimating or gaslighting his base. Republicans in Congress have repeatedly blocked measures to release Epstein-related documents, with Rep. Lauren Boebert controversially suggesting former Rep. Matt Gaetz as a special counsel to investigate, a proposal widely mocked given Gaetz's own accusations. Meanwhile, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has faced accusations of hypocrisy for voting against procedural moves to release the files despite publicly supporting transparency, defending her stance by opposing Democrat control of the House floor. Attorney General Pam Bondi, initially supportive of releasing Epstein-related names, now backs a DOJ memo denying the existence of a secret client list, intensifying skepticism and calls for accountability within Trump's circle. The Epstein scandal is described by critics as a "terminal cancer" for MAGA, with ongoing debates about whether the administration is deflecting attention through political maneuvers, including increased military aid to Ukraine.