Massie: Likely Some of Trump’s Friends Are Named in Epstein Files
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said this week he assumes that “at least some of Trump’s friends” are likely mentioned in the still-secret Jeffrey Epstein files—though he cautioned that not everyone named necessarily committed a crime.
Massie, who is co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill to compel the Department of Justice to release the full set of Epstein-related documents, expressed hope that the measure will be brought up for a vote when the House reconvenes in September.
“There are probably a lot of names in those files that don’t belong there for criminal reasons,” Massie told reporters Wednesday. “There’s a hesitation to release them because of the embarrassment it might cause. Just having your name in those documents could be damaging—even if you did nothing wrong. I’ve always presumed that at least some of Trump’s friends are in there, and that may be one of the reasons for the hold-up.”
In recent days, the Trump administration has released other previously classified files likely to appeal to the MAGA base—documents related to Russian interference in the 2016 election, Hillary Clinton’s emails, and even files tied to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
But the Epstein controversy remains a sore point, with Trump’s supporters continuing to press for the full release of information tied to the late financier, whose 2019 death in federal custody was officially ruled a suicide.
Massie said he expects public pressure to intensify during the August recess. “This issue won’t fade,” he said. “In fact, I think it’s going to grow. A lot of members are going to be asked about their position on this during town halls back home.”
The Kentucky lawmaker also criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for adjourning the chamber a day early, avoiding a potential floor vote on the resolution to release the Epstein files.
“I think he’s just trying to do Trump a favor,” Massie said. “He doesn’t want even the slightest hint of daylight between himself and the president. That’s likely why we didn’t see even a symbolic vote on this before the recess.”
Despite attempts to steer attention toward other declassified materials, the Epstein issue continues to gain momentum—raising uncomfortable questions not just for the White House, but for the broader political class as well.
