Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R) announced on social media that over 33,000 of the “Epstein files” have been released. Despite Republican praise for the release, the launch is getting mixed reviews from the public who eagerly anticipates action from the Trump administration.
The launch of the files comes as Rep. Thomas Massie (R) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D) rally for lawmakers to join their resolution that would force the Justice Department to release the “Epstein files.”
This week, members of congress met with some of the victims of Epstein who shared their testimonies ahead of the release of the documents, and Rep. Nancy Mace (R), herself a sexual assault survivor, was visibly shaken when leaving the meeting.
The release of the documents was coordinated by the House Oversight Committee, which released the files through Google drive. This has noticeably left people scratching their heads as the launch was not done through an official government site.
When questioned over the way the documents were being released, Rep. Luna simply responded on social media with “Oversight was given docs and shared them with public.”
Critics of the release question if the drop contains any new material that hasn’t already been shared along with the difficult process of downloading the files for review.
The Trump administration has been at odds with Republican lawmakers over its messaging regarding the Epstein files. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump (R) questioned why people were still interested in the files, even suggesting that they were a conspiracy perpetrated by his detractors.
During a recent hearing with House GOP Chair and Rep. James Comer (R), Rep. Chip Roy (R), who recently announced his campaign for Texas attorney general, commented that both Republicans and Democrats are committed to seeking the truth “wherever it may lead.”
Praising the drop of the files, Rep. Roy noted that while the public may be receiving redacted material, Democrats on the committee are not.
“Is it not true that whatever’s being presented to you all… to the extent that you’re adding any redactions or anything, your colleagues on the other side of the aisle are getting the unredacted material?” Rep. Roy questioned.
“100 percent. They’re getting exactly what we get,” Rep. Comer responded.
