Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) sharply called out the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sunday for hiding behind a “straw man” excuse to avoid releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files.
During an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Massie challenged the DOJ’s claim that they are protecting more than 1,000 victims by withholding the documents. The DOJ memo stated, “Sensitive information relating to these victims is intertwined throughout the materials. One of our highest priorities is combatting child exploitation and bringing justice to victims. Perpetuating unfounded theories about Epstein serves neither one of those ends.”
When asked if releasing the files could harm the victims, Massie fired back, “Well, look, that’s a straw man. Ro and I carefully crafted this legislation so that the victims’ names will be redacted and that no child pornography will be released. So, they’re hiding behind that.”
Massie, working with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), is pushing legislation to force Congress to vote on making Epstein-related files public. He stressed the goal: “We’re trying to get justice for the victims and transparency for America. We don’t want to hurt the victims. We’re doing this for the victims.”
The DOJ under President Trump has come under heavy criticism for how it has handled Epstein’s case and related materials. The controversy has disrupted Congress, causing the House to cut its August recess short after debate over Epstein documents brought progress to a halt.
Massie’s blunt accusation exposes what he calls a “ploy” by Trump’s DOJ — using the protection of victims as a cover to block the release of files that could reveal uncomfortable truths.
Watch the clip below:
BREAKING: Republican Thomas Massie CALLS OUT Trump, Vance, Pam Bondi, and Kash Patel for refusing to release the Epstein files after repeatedly promising to do so on the campaign trail. Massie is right to call out this stunning hypocrisy. pic.twitter.com/kewXtctRHZ
— Trump Lie Tracker (Commentary) (@MAGALieTracker) July 27, 2025
