By Matt Underwood House plans to vote Tuesday on releasing Epstein files. It’s a moment many have been anticipating, with a sense of both hope and trepidation swirling around the potential for transparency. The House is set to vote, and the question on everyone’s mind is: will the veil be lifted, or will the secrets remain locked away?
If these files do get released, there could be a tidal wave of revelations. It’s a case that has touched on the most vulnerable of victims: children. This is an issue that strikes a chord with many, and enough people have children or care about children, that this can’t be hidden anymore.
It’s easy to see how this situation could be seen as political maneuvers. By starting an investigation, they claim it’s the reason why the files can’t be released. It’s a well-worn tactic of delay and obfuscation, and many people have seen this before.
There are some highlights from the emails and documents obtained and released by Democrats which include an email from Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell saying that, “that dog that hasn’t barked is Trump” meaning that Trump had never been mentioned. The same young girl was involved in both cases.
Then there’s the Trump’s expressed sympathy for Ghislaine Maxwell. Trump saying: “I just wish her well, frankly. I’ve met her numerous times over the years, especially since I lived in Palm Beach, and I guess they lived in Palm Beach. But I wish her well, whatever it is.” Another email was between Epstein and Michael Wolff discussing a potential strategy for using the situation to their advantage and potentially generating a positive outcome for themselves. There was also an email from Epstein asking if they should prepare a response to CNN asking Trump about their friendship. Wolff replied: “Let him hang himself… If he says he hasn’t been on the plane or to the house, then that gives you valuable PR and political currency.” Meaning, blackmail.
Of course, Trump has dismissed all the documents as a “hoax”.
During his political rise, Epstein saw an opportunity to make the most of Trump’s political momentum to his own ends.
Even outside of the Epstein controversy, Trump has been accused of sexual abuse, harassment or rape by dozens of women dating back to the 70s—particularly those on the “younger side.” In 2002, Trump called Epstein a “terrific guy”. Photos and videos show the two together at Mar-a-Lago.
The expectation is that the DOJ will not be inclined to release the files. It’s a game of political chess, and the stakes are incredibly high.
The White House maintains the narrative that Trump banished Epstein from Mar-a-Lago out of some sense of justice and sympathy for the victims. It’s almost certain that the release will be stopped.
The Trump administration has been running interference, using the shutdown to obstruct the release of materials, suppressing information, and diverting attention away from his close ties to the world’s most notorious child sex trafficker. This includes trying to manufacture “treasonous” charges against Obama while Trump’s deputy AG (and former personal lawyer) orchestrated a cover up with Ghislaine Maxwell by offering her limited immunity/clemency to facilitate her cooperation with the government.
It seems to be a case of political maneuvering and obstruction. With an investigation underway, the justification for withholding the files is already in place.
So, the vote is coming, but many are skeptical about its ultimate impact. What is the point of a vote if the Senate and the President can block the release? What is the point of this if the Senate and Trump have to sign off on this? The reality is that the outcome of this vote is unlikely to be the end of the story. The process would drag on for years. The DOJ has not released these files.