Trump Ally TURNS on President Over Epstein Cover-Up

A Republican congressman just declared Trump’s administration the “Epstein Administration” on national television, accusing the President of shielding wealthy elites from scrutiny in what may be the most explosive GOP betrayal of Trump’s second term.

Story Snapshot

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) publicly labeled Trump’s presidency the “Epstein Administration” during a November 16, 2025 ABC News interview, accusing him of protecting powerful friends involved in the Epstein scandal.
Massie successfully led a discharge petition forcing a House vote on releasing unredacted Epstein files, defying Trump’s opposition and predicting over 100 Republicans will support transparency.
Trump campaigned on releasing all Epstein documents but reversed course once in office, calling the files a “hoax” and launching investigations critics say are designed to block disclosure.
Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna reviewed unredacted DOJ files and now demand subpoenas of the Epstein estate, creating rare bipartisan pressure on the administration.

Kentucky Congressman Breaks With Trump on Epstein Files

Rep. Thomas Massie delivered scathing criticism of President Trump during his November 16, 2025 appearance on ABC News “This Week,” accusing the administration of protecting elite pedophiles. Massie told viewers Trump is “trying to protect a bunch of rich and powerful friends, billionaires” by opposing full release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. The Kentucky Republican dismissed Trump’s characterization of the files as a “hoax” and warned fellow GOP members they would face electoral consequences in 2026 and beyond if they shield powerful figures from accountability. This marks a significant fracture within the Republican Party during Trump’s second term.

Campaign Promises Collide With Executive Actions

Trump promised voters during his 2024 campaign that he would release all Epstein files without redaction, creating expectations among his base for transparency regarding the convicted sex trafficker’s connections. Attorney General Pam Bondi initially referenced a “client list” before walking back her statements, adding confusion to the administration’s position. Partial releases occurred under the Biden administration in 2021 and 2024 through court orders, but comprehensive disclosure never materialized. Once back in office, Trump reversed his campaign stance, announcing new investigations focused on Democrats while blocking the broader file release. Massie characterized these investigations as a “smoke screen” designed to avoid exposing Trump’s wealthy associates connected to Epstein’s criminal network.

Discharge Petition Forces Congressional Showdown

Massie spearheaded a rare discharge petition in late 2025 to force a House floor vote on releasing the Epstein documents, circumventing normal committee processes and Trump’s opposition. The petition succeeded, demonstrating significant Republican discontent with the administration’s handling of the issue. Massie predicted that over 100 GOP House members would defy Trump to support transparency, potentially creating a veto-proof majority if the Senate follows suit. Following the petition’s success, Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna gained access to unredacted files at the Department of Justice. The bipartisan duo then held a press conference demanding subpoenas of the Epstein estate to obtain additional documents, including a reported “birthday book” containing names of powerful individuals.

Pattern of GOP Defiance Raises Questions

Massie’s confrontation with Trump represents the latest chapter in a contentious relationship spanning multiple legislative battles. The libertarian-leaning congressman previously opposed Trump on Russia sanctions in 2017, the border emergency declaration in 2019, Yemen war powers, and pandemic spending measures. Most recently, Massie voted against Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025, prompting the President to publicly encourage primary challengers against him. Trump previously called Massie a “third-rate grandstander,” while some GOP colleagues defended him as a principled constitutional conservative. This history suggests Massie’s Epstein file push stems from consistent anti-establishment principles rather than personal animus, though it places him at odds with most Trump supporters.

Transparency Demands Test Party Loyalty

The Epstein file controversy creates a challenging political calculation for Republicans heading into 2026 midterms. House GOP members face pressure from Trump’s political operation, which has demonstrated willingness to fund primary challengers against disloyal members, while simultaneously hearing demands from constituents for accountability regarding elite sex trafficking. Massie warned colleagues that protecting powerful pedophiles will haunt them in future elections, framing transparency as both a moral and political imperative. The bipartisan nature of Massie’s effort with Democrat Ro Khanna undermines typical partisan defenses and elevates concerns about government protecting connected elites over ordinary citizens. Whether Trump’s base ultimately sides with their President or demands the transparency he once promised remains the critical question as this battle moves toward a House vote.