Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie held his second town hall of his congressional career after House Speaker Mike Johnson sent lawmakers home early after clashes among GOP members about releasing records tied to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Department of Justice (DOJ) concluded in a two-page memo that it found no evidence that Epstein had a “client list” and that no more information would be released. However, the appetite for more about the Epstein files has been fueled by conspiracy theories fanned by President Trump and members of his administration for years. Mackenzie said that he would support efforts to release the DOJ files on the disgraced financier if the White House does not do more.
Democratic groups have targeted Republican lawmakers who see the Epstein saga as dividing the GOP and seeing it as a political liability for Republicans. Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., introduced a successful motion to subpoena the records in a House subcommittee, with three Republicans voting in favor of it. Rep. Scott Perry, who represents another competitive Pennsylvania district, also supports a resolution introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky calling for the release of the DOJ records.
Republican strategist Rina Shah told NPR that “MAGA voters are furious” and want more transparency when it comes to the investigation into Epstein, describing it as a drama that “won’t go away.” The fight could reshape the party, deciding whether it is truly the party of the people or one that still plays by old Washington rules.
