Republicans Warn Epstein Scandal Could Hurt Public Trust and 2026 Elections

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Two U.S. lawmakers are warning that continued secrecy around the Jeffrey Epstein case could erode public trust and harm Republican chances in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The renewed controversy centers on the government’s refusal to fully release Epstein-related records, which has stirred bipartisan criticism and fueled public suspicions of elite protection.

Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, and Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, are leading a bipartisan effort to force the disclosure of Epstein files. Their proposed resolution would require the release of all documents related to the case, with necessary redactions to protect victims’ identities. Speaking in an interview, Massie cautioned that if the Republican-led House doesn’t act decisively, it could lead to voter apathy among conservatives and damage the party’s credibility.

The issue has become increasingly contentious for President Trump’s administration. Though the White House initially signaled support for releasing Epstein’s “client list,” it has since walked back that commitment. This shift has drawn criticism from both the left and the right, including from within Trump’s base.

In a rare bipartisan move, the House Oversight Committee recently voted to subpoena key documents and testimony from the Department of Justice. The vote, supported by both Republicans and Democrats, seeks information from figures tied to Epstein’s network, including Ghislaine Maxwell and former federal officials. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson reportedly opposed the move, and some Republican lawmakers have expressed frustration over the leadership’s reluctance to pursue the issue more aggressively.

Public opinion appears to favor full transparency. Polls show that a majority of Americans, across political lines, believe there is a cover-up surrounding Epstein’s connections and prior dealings. Many also remain skeptical about the role of federal agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Justice, in handling the investigation.

From a center-right viewpoint, the controversy underscores a core issue: accountability. While other political topics often dominate headlines, the Epstein scandal has become a litmus test for public trust. Republican lawmakers are now caught between protecting their party’s image and responding to voters’ growing demands for transparency.

A full House vote on the Massie-Khanna resolution is expected in September. Whether party leadership allows that vote could influence not only the direction of the investigation but also Republican momentum heading into a critical election year.