He—the president, their leader, the martyr who had endured scandals and prosecution and an assassin’s bullet on their behalf—had repeatedly told them it was time to move on, and that alone should suffice. Why, he groused, would the White House add fuel to the fire, would it play into the media’s narrative?

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is shocking some colleagues by fully embracing efforts to exploit divisions between President Trump and his MAGA base over the administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

The GOP-led Rules Committee -- which was working on advancing a slate of unrelated bills -- came to a halt Monday evening because Democrats announced their plan to force a committee vote on bipartisan legislation that would call for the release of the Epstein files.

In defending how his administration is handling supposed files on Jeffrey Epstein, he says "some stupid Republicans" fell for a hoax.

Thus, by affirming the notion that incriminating “Epstein Files” exist, Democrats risk perpetuating the idea that both parties are toxically corrupt — a form of cynicism that Trump has long exploited to excuse his shameless graft and malfeasance.

The key for Democrats in 2026 will be portraying Donald Trump, his policies, and his ideological project as a protection racket for the elites. And here’s the good news for the party: He’s already provided more than enough fodder for them.

The decision to bring forward the summer recess means Republican leaders can delay a politically fraught vote on the disclosures.

President Donald Trump says he is facing a “witch hunt” amid mounting pressure for him to order the release of secret Epstein files.