Representative Thomas Massie delivered a blistering critique of congressional and executive stonewalling over the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, backing survivors and transparency as he exposed what he calls shameful obstruction by political leaders.
Massie wasted no words about the recent reversal from House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump, remarking, “Well, the Speaker, the Attorney General, the FBI Director, the President and the Vice President could have saved us all this time and embarrassment, frankly, for our own party if they’d just done the right thing four months ago.”
The congressman made clear this battle was “always about the survivors,” expressing regret that personal attacks muddied the waters but never changed the commitment to justice.
The Kentucky congressman questioned the timing of investigations, saying, “I believe they may be trying to use those investigations as a predicate for not releasing the files. That’s my concern.” He predicted continued efforts to shield the materials using provisions tied to ongoing inquiries, describing it as a calculated move to frustrate public access.
When asked about Speaker Mike Johnson’s sudden support for releasing the files, Massie didn’t mince words: “He’s only supporting it because the President told him to support it. That’s what Mike Johnson does.”
For months, Massie asserted, Trump believed keeping the files secret served him best, only changing course when advisors convinced him otherwise. “If they’re serious about it, they should release them right now. It’s that simple,” Massie demanded.
Pressed on why such secrecy persists, Massie laid bare the stakes: “These files implicate billionaires and friends of him and of his and of political donors that he’s trying to protect. And Epstein also had close ties to our own intelligence agencies and Israel’s intelligence agencies. That’s why there’s so much effort in trying to stop this.”
Despite private attacks and disagreements with party leadership—including pointed criticism of Trump for personal insults—Massie maintained focus.
He credited Marjorie Taylor Greene with championing the populist base’s call for justice: “When he told his supporters that they’re no longer his supporters if they still want the Epstein files released, he lost a lot of supporters, but Marjorie didn’t. And she’s in favor of finding justice for these survivors.”
Massie closed with optimism for legislative accountability: “Yeah, I think it’s going to pass. I think it’s going to pass with the veto proof majority.” In Massie’s words, it’s time for the House and the President to finally stand with the survivors and the American public.
