Massie says ‘100 or more’ Republicans could defy Trump and vote to release Epstein files
Rep. Massie says that he expects a “deluge” of House Republicans will vote to compel the release of the Epstein files: “I’ve never said these documents will implicate Donald Trump. I think he’s trying to protect a bunch of rich and powerful friends.” https://t.co/DVClWBcAj0 pic.twitter.com/fPhMYOYabf
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) November 16, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Thomas Massie, the lead Republican co-sponsor of a bill to force the release of additional Jeffrey Epstein case files, said on Sunday, November 16, that more than 100 House Republicans could break from President Donald Trump and vote for the release of the documents.
“I think we could have a deluge of Republicans,” Massie said on ABC’s 'This Week'. “There could be 100 or more. I’m hoping to get a veto-proof majority on this legislation when it comes up for a vote.” The House could take up the measure as early as Tuesday.
Thomas Massie pushes discharge petition despite resistance
Massie hailed the growing support for his bipartisan discharge petition with Rep Ro Khanna, calling the momentum a significant win over resistance from the House speaker, the attorney general, and other Trump administration officials.
He argued that Trump’s opposition is rooted not in principle, but in loyalty to influential allies.
Massie said that he believes the president is “trying to protect a bunch of rich and powerful friends, billionaires, donors to his campaign, friends in his social circles.”
Thomas Massie says the vote will be a defining moment for GOP
Massie urged GOP colleagues to consider the long-term consequences of siding with Trump against transparency.
“I would remind my Republican colleagues who are deciding how to vote: Donald Trump can protect you in red districts right now by giving you an endorsement,” he said. “But in 2030 he’s not going to be the president, and you will have voted to protect.”
He said the vote will be a defining moment for lawmakers, one that will outlast Trump’s political influence.
Senate path uncertain as Thomas Massie seeks veto-proof majority
While the House is expected to approve the bill, its fate in the Senate remains unclear. Even if it clears the upper chamber, the legislation would require Trump’s signature, unless Massie’s prediction of a veto-proof House majority materializes.
That would require nearly 290 votes if all members are present, a threshold Massie says is within reach.
Beyond the immediate vote count, Massie’s push to unlock the remaining Epstein files has reportedly injected fresh tension into internal GOP politics and placed an uncomfortable spotlight on Trump’s stance.
The president has railed against the legislation in recent days, publicly warning Republicans not to support it and allegedly privately lobbying key allies on Capitol Hill.
But Massie’s assessment suggests that the pressure may be backfiring, galvanizing rank-and-file lawmakers who allegedly fear being seen as shielding powerful interests.
Democrats, meanwhile, have applauded Massie’s willingness to defy his party’s leader. Rep Khanna reportedly said that the bipartisan effort reflects a rare moment of shared purpose in an otherwise polarized Congress. “This is about truth and accountability, not politics,” he said.
