Kentucky Republican Calls Trump Team the “Epstein Administration” Amid Ongoing Files Dispute
On Sunday, Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie blasted President Donald Trump’s administration in a national televised broadcast, highlighting a deepening Republican Party schism. Massie called the present administration the “Epstein administration” on ABC’s “This Week” when discussing the delayed release of federal investigative papers related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Massie’s comments indicate an intensifying battle over transparency and responsibility over millions of government papers related to Epstein, who was found dead in a New York jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting prosecution for sex trafficking with minors. The congressman has consistently questioned how the Department of Justice has released case files, but he has not accused Trump of wrongdoing.
Massie claimed in the interview that transparency promises have been broken. He noted Trump’s relationships with high-profile New York and Florida figures but said the administration has failed to fully expose federal records to public and congressional inspection. Massie says the problem is survivor justice and federal accountability, not politicians.
Epstein-related materials released by the Department of Justice are at issue. The DOJ had until December 19, 2025, to release all relevant records. About 2.5 million files remain unreleased. Further criticism from transparency-demanding politicians came after the DOJ’s Epstein Library erased thousands of records.
A House petition co-sponsored by Massie forced a vote on federal file release. He believes delays and heavy redactions harm disclosure. He worried that redactions may have revealed victims’ identities while protecting alleged accomplices and co-conspirators. The congressman said lawmakers should review unredacted information to ensure compliance with congressional standards.
Pam Bondi, Attorney General, is likewise on edge. Massie has publicly criticized her Department of Justice leadership, particularly in accountability and victim communication. In a recent House Judiciary Committee hearing, he blasted the lack of an apology or outreach to survivors. He believes victims should be prioritized over political figures in the case.
Massie’s ABC interview comments have not been addressed by President Trump. Their political rivalry has grown in recent months. Before the 2026 primary, Trump endorsed a Republican candidate for Massie’s 4th District congressional seat. Trump publicly blasted Massie and questioned his Republican commitment on social media.
Massie underlined that he is not accusing the president of Epstein’s crimes despite the strong language. Incomplete transparency from federal authorities is his main criticism. He stressed that the “Epstein Files Transparency Act” sought justice for survivors and public trust in federal law enforcement.
The Department of Justice, which releases the documents, said it is reviewing a lot of investigation-related material. Logistics and legal issues have plagued the agency, including privacy redaction rules and ongoing legal issues. Critics say missing deadlines and removing files raises issues about consistency and openness.
This issue highlights a nationwide debate about government transparency and accountability in high-profile criminal investigations. Members of both parties have urged for Epstein’s network and activities to be disclosed. Federal authorities have been encouraged by survivors and advocacy groups to handle documents clearly and sensitively.
Massie’s dispute with the Trump administration will certainly remain a major Republican topic in 2026. This controversy highlights the conflict between party allegiance and institutional transparency.
The big question today is whether the Department of Justice will release the remaining Epstein files and restore public confidence. Disclosure-supporting lawmakers argue it goes beyond politics. They say it protects victims, ensures responsibility, and maintains justice system credibility.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Justice
ABC News “This Week” Broadcast
House Judiciary Committee Proceedings
