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By Steve Mollman
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Representative Thomas Massie responded Thursday to First Lady Melania Trump’s call for Congress to bring Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors forward for public testimony, saying lawmakers have already provided that opportunity and arguing that criminal prosecutions should now be the focus.
Writing on X, the Kentucky Republican said the responsibility lies with the Justice Department, not Congress, and pointed to past congressional efforts involving survivors as he renewed demands for legal accountability connected to Epstein’s network.
Why It Matters
The Epstein case remains a politically volatile issue long after the financier’s death, with pressure continuing to build over why few criminal cases have followed the release of documents and testimony describing abuse and alleged facilitation. Melania Trump’s intervention elevated the issue inside the White House at a moment when public impatience over stalled accountability is growing.
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That frustration is reflected in new national polling released Thursday by the University of Massachusetts Lowell, which found 87 percent of Americans support pursuing criminal investigations of U.S. individuals named in the Epstein files, suggesting an overwhelming bipartisan appetite for prosecutions rather than further hearings.
Massie’s response highlights a broader debate over whether Congress has exhausted its role and whether the Justice Department—now under new leadership—will act on information already on the record.
What to Know
Earlier Thursday, Melania Trump released a rare public statement rejecting claims that she had any involvement with Epstein. She denied ever visiting his private island or flying on his plane, said her name does not appear in court records tied to Epstein’s crimes, and described online allegations as false and defamatory. Alongside those denials, she urged Congress to allow Epstein’s survivors to testify publicly, arguing they deserve a formal platform to tell their stories under oath.
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Rather than calling for new hearings, Massie said the next step should be prosecution. He argued that bringing survivors back before Congress would be redundant and that the duty to act now rests with federal prosecutors. He noted that he and Representative Ro Khanna had already invited Epstein survivors to Capitol Hill and gave them space to recount what he described as “horrific stories.” Massie and Khanna, a Democrat, worked together on the bipartisan Epstein Act, legislation aimed at forcing the release of additional Epstein‑related records and increasing transparency around federal handling of the case.
Massie directed his call for action at Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who now runs the Justice Department following President Donald Trump firing Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Blanche previously served as one of Donald Trump’s personal lawyers before taking his Justice Department role, a fact that has drawn attention as the administration faces renewed scrutiny over whether Epstein‑related cases will advance. Massie’s post ended with a single emphatic word: “PROSECUTE!”
The moment also fits into Massie’s long‑running political distance from Trump. The congressman has repeatedly broken with Trump‑aligned positions, most notably on spending, emergency powers, and executive authority. Trump, in turn, has publicly attacked Massie, accusing him of disloyalty and urging challengers to run against him in Republican primaries.
Those attacks have intensified in recent months, but polling suggests they have not damaged Massie politically at home. A new poll shows Massie leading Trump-backed primary challenger Ed Gallrein in his Kentucky primary, reinforcing his reputation as one of the few Republicans able to withstand direct pressure from Trump.
What Happens Next
The focus now shifts to the Justice Department under Blanche, as lawmakers and the public press for movement on potential Epstein‑related prosecutions. Any indication of investigative action—or confirmation that none is forthcoming—is likely to be closely scrutinized.
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