The White House is facing deep frustration after being pushed into an uncomfortable political spot over the congressional vote to release remaining Epstein files. Following a series of tough election results and its failed attempt to block the House’s move, the Trump administration is now preparing a counteroffensive.
According to a senior White House official, the administration plans to highlight what it sees as Democratic vulnerabilities—starting with Delegate Stacey Plaskett from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Recently released documents from Epstein’s estate showed that Epstein had texted Plaskett during a 2019 congressional hearing, seemingly attempting to shape the questions she asked. Her office has said she received texts from many sources during the hearing and has consistently condemned Epstein’s actions.
This aggressive strategy reflects a larger sense of irritation inside the administration, where aides argue that a handful of Republicans joined with Democrats to force a vote that has now overshadowed the White House agenda. Officials also worry that even with full transparency, some voters may still believe hidden information exists.
Both chambers of Congress have now approved legislation requiring the Justice Department to make any remaining Epstein files public. The House vote was overwhelming, and the Senate moved quickly the same day, sending the bill to President Trump’s desk—despite the administration’s months-long effort to stop it.
For Trump, the renewed offensive is a familiar tactic—a way to regain the narrative and show that his political influence remains strong. But it comes as questions grow about the durability of his hold on Republican lawmakers.
Another White House official described Democrats as vulnerable on the issue, pointing to the Plaskett texts and other past associations with Epstein. The official insisted that the administration intends to keep drawing attention to what it sees as double standards.
President Trump has already called for the Justice Department to investigate ties between Epstein and several well-known Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton, former Harvard President Larry Summers, and philanthropist Reid Hoffman. All three have denied wrongdoing and none have been charged with any Epstein-related crimes.
Summers recently stepped back from public life after emails emerged showing he had sought Epstein’s personal advice in 2018. Clinton and Hoffman were also mentioned in documents published by the House Oversight Committee. Hoffman has since publicly supported releasing all remaining files.
The newly released trove of documents included a 2018 email in which Epstein claimed Trump “knew about the girls,” referring to the underage victims at the center of Epstein’s trafficking crimes. Trump has repeatedly denied any involvement, and no evidence has linked him to Epstein’s criminal activities. He has said he cut ties with Epstein years before Epstein’s arrest.
White House aides argue that Republicans who pushed for the vote inadvertently helped Democrats shift attention away from broader issues. They accuse Democrats of only supporting the release of the files once they believed it could be politically damaging to Trump.
Democratic officials, meanwhile, say the vote represents progress toward long-delayed transparency for Epstein’s victims. A DNC spokesperson also questioned whether Trump would address an alleged “secret” message referenced in past reporting—something Trump has denied authoring and has sued over.
As the political back-and-forth intensifies, the release of the remaining Epstein files is set to fuel even more debate, raising new questions about influence, accountability, and the political risks both parties face.
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