Representatives Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, and Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, shared their thoughts on Sunday regarding recent meetings between the Justice Department and Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case. The lawmakers spoke amid growing public demand for the release of federal documents related to Epstein’s activities.
Massie told NBC’s Meet the Press that if Maxwell holds useful information, she should be compelled to testify truthfully. He did not rule out the possibility of a commutation, noting that such a decision would rest with the president. Khanna, however, strongly opposed any deal that would ease Maxwell’s sentence in exchange for cooperation, citing her previous perjury charges as a serious concern.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche reportedly met with Maxwell on two separate occasions last week at the Attorney General’s office in Tallahassee, Florida, after she allegedly reached out to the DOJ. These developments come amid renewed pressure on the federal government to release the so-called “Epstein files,” particularly from supporters of former President Donald Trump who question the DOJ’s transparency.
The Justice Department recently stated that no client list was found among Epstein’s materials and that there was no credible evidence of blackmail involving public figures. Despite this, skepticism remains high among parts of the public and some lawmakers. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi clarified that when she mentioned case documents, she was not referring to a client list.
In response to the growing demand for answers, Massie and Khanna introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act on July 15. The bill would force the federal government to make all Epstein-related documents public. However, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has blocked efforts to bring the bill to a vote, choosing instead to adjourn the House early until September, effectively delaying any progress.
Massie criticized Johnson for the delay, warning that Republicans risk losing voter trust if they continue to avoid addressing the issue. Johnson defended his stance, accusing Massie of politicizing the matter and insisting that transparency efforts are already underway without the need for dramatic gestures.
As debates continue, Maxwell’s unexpected reemergence in DOJ discussions has added fuel to the fire, with many now watching to see whether her cooperation could influence the release of long-hidden information tied to one of the most controversial criminal cases in recent memory.
