Senate Republicans Block Epstein Files Release

Senate Republicans on Thursday blocked the latest Democratic attempt to formally demand that the Trump administration release files related to the government's investigation of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Democrats on Capitol Hill are steadily ramping up the pressure on Republicans to break with President Trump, asserting that those who don't are essentially colluding with a White House-led cover-up.

Sen. Ruben Gallego's (D-Ariz.) request Thursday for unanimous consent to pass a resolution demanding the release of Epstein-related documents drew an objection from Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who called the move "pure theater."

It takes just one senator to block a unanimous consent request.

The FBI and Justice Department concluded that Epstein died by suicide and that he did not have a "client list," Axios scooped earlier this month.

Democrats are eager to expose fractures they see in Trump's MAGA base after the president backed away from a campaign promise to release DOJ files related to Epstein.

"They're protecting the rich and powerful — again," Gallego posted on X after the GOP blocked his resolution.

House Democrats have made similar attempts this week, but Republicans have also blocked those efforts.

There is growing dissent at the heart of Trump's "manosphere," a coalition of anti-establishment podcasters and comedians who have become an influential part of the MAGA movement.

Mullin accused Democrats of playing a "gotcha game" and said the party is only "pretending to care" about the issue.

"I'm all for transparency w/ Epstein files," Mullin posted on X. "Those with legit questions, fine. But let's call THIS for what it is— pure theater from a party that hates Trump."