President Donald Trump has publicly rebuked Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) following the congressman's introduction of a resolution that demands the release of all government-held documents pertaining to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. This legislative push by Massie, which he refers to as "Phase 2 of the Epstein files," is designed to increase transparency by compelling the Department of Justice to disclose the records without delay or censorship.
The conflict arose when Trump, using his Truth Social platform, labeled Massie as "the worst Republican Congressman" and an "Embarrassment to Kentucky." The former president's post described Massie as lazy and disingenuous, and Trump expressed his intent to endorse a primary challenger against the Kentucky representative.
In response, Massie swiftly countered Trump's criticism by affirming his commitment to the resolution and his role as a fighter against political retaliation. He defended his actions by sharing a tweet that emphasized the binding nature of the proposed legislation and highlighted that it had already gained 20 sponsors. Massie also utilized the moment to request financial support for his campaign, underscoring his determination not to back down.
The resolution put forth by Massie is groundbreaking in that it is the first binding legislation concerning the Epstein matter. It specifically instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to unseal the information without redactions or restrictions, even if it may cause embarrassment or political sensitivity for U.S. or foreign officials. Additionally, the resolution calls for an "unclassified summary" for any content that remains withheld or classified, along with justifications for such nondisclosure.
Despite Trump's vehement opposition, Massie's resolution has garnered the support of 20 members of Congress, although no Democrats are reported among the initial co-sponsors. The proposed legislation aims to eliminate loopholes that have historically allowed the suppression of politically sensitive material.
This is not the first instance of discord between Trump and Massie. The congressman opposed Trump's COVID-19 stimulus package in 2020, citing its impact on the national debt, and also voted against a spending package he felt lacked fiscal restraint. Their tension has escalated, with another clash in June 2024 following the Biden administration's airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which Massie deemed unconstitutional.
As the political dynamics continue to unfold, Massie has warned against any primary challenges, suggesting that Kentucky voters would not be swayed by campaigns driven by external pressures. The congressman's stance on the Epstein file release legislation appears to be unwavering, and the situation remains a notable example of intraparty conflict within the Republican ranks.
