Representative Eric Swalwell of California suggested on Wednesday that a growing number of Republicans could soon back a proposal requiring the Department of Justice to release documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose death in 2019 sparked ongoing controversy.
Swalwell stated that conversations with several House Republicans this week revealed declining enthusiasm for former President Trump within the party. “I’ve spoken with a lot of House Republicans, and many admit that Trump’s influence is fading,” Swalwell wrote on the platform X. “One told me, ‘the Epstein story is about to explode, and no one wants to defend someone accused of protecting a pedophile. It’s only a matter of time.’”
He went on to claim that some Republicans expect a major defection when the vote comes. “One GOP member texted me saying that if a discharge vote on the Epstein issue happens, there could be a ‘jail break’ of over 100 members. Trump will lose it,” Swalwell added.
The push for transparency has been intensifying in recent months, with lawmakers from both parties pressing for the release of Epstein-related files. Critics have accused the Trump administration of withholding key information connected to the case, which continues to raise questions about Epstein’s network and potential associates.
When asked for comment, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed Swalwell’s remarks with a sharp jab. “Did his Chinese spy friend Fang Fang write that post?” she said, referring to a past controversy involving Swalwell’s alleged contact with a suspected Chinese intelligence operative.
Meanwhile, bipartisan efforts to bring the Epstein matter to a vote have been gaining momentum. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, working with Representative Ro Khanna of California, has been circulating a discharge petition to compel a House vote on making the files public. Massie recently suggested that Speaker Mike Johnson is keeping Congress in recess to delay the vote.
“Why are we not in session?” Massie posted on X. “Because once we’re back, I already have 218 votes ready to force the release of the Epstein documents.”
The situation has set the stage for a potential bipartisan showdown that could put pressure on Republican leadership and deepen divisions within the party as scrutiny over the Epstein files continues to grow.