Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie isn’t mincing words when it comes to President Donald Trump and the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein saga. The Bluegrass State lawmaker, called a “rebel” republican, made waves this week by filing a discharge petition that could force a full House vote on releasing every file tied to the late financier. Massie, alongside Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), originally introduced legislation back in July to push the Justice Department to make these documents public within 30 days, and now Massie is turning up the heat.
In a move that’s part political maneuver, part moral crusade, the petition has already gathered 134 signatures, but Massie needs at least 218 to force the floor vote. If successful, the move would bypass leadership and place the spotlight squarely on Congress to decide how transparent the federal government should be about Epstein’s connections. During an appearance on MSNBC’s All In with Chris Hayes, Massie didn’t hold back, saying Trump “may be covering for some rich and powerful people that are friends of his,” per NJ.com
Kentucky Rep Thomas Massie Throws Donald Trump Under The Bus
The Kentucky congressman stressed that embarrassment shouldn’t be a reason to keep these files hidden. “I think the best way to clear President Trump’s name is to release all the files. I actually don’t think he’s done anything criminal. And in fact, some of those billionaires are running ads against me in Kentucky right now,” Massie said late Tuesday. He continued, “We’ve got to get it out in the open, regardless of whose friends might be incriminated.” Clearly, Massie sees this as a matter of accountability that goes beyond party lines.
The push comes as a fresh batch of Justice Department files, over 33,000 pages, was released to the House Oversight Committee, though the material mostly overlaps with what’s already public. Epstein’s case has repeatedly captured the national spotlight, especially after a memo confirmed he didn’t keep a “client list” of public figures and that he died by suicide in 2019. Still, the call for transparency continues to echo, particularly among voters who want every angle explored.
Is Trump Protecting His Rich Friends From Epstein Files Release?
Massie and Khanna plan to hold a press conference alongside Epstein survivors, signaling that this fight isn’t just about politics, it’s about giving victims a platform and pushing for accountability at the highest levels. The Kentucky Republican acknowledges the White House and Speaker Mike Johnson are exerting pressure, but he remains confident. “I think there are enough Republicans who are listening to their constituents and care about these victims that we’ll get the 218 signatures we need,” he said.
As this battle unfolds, one thing is clear. Kentucky’s Massie isn’t willing to let this story fade quietly, and he’s using every tool at his disposal to bring the Epstein files into the open. For a state that knows the value of standing up for principle, this fight is putting Kentucky firmly in the national conversation once again.
Hunter Spears 
Kenna Raye 
