3:37Sen. Lindsay Graham addresses reporters at the U.S. Capitol Building on February 12, 2025, in Washington.Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Although the relationship between President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein has been known for some time, recent revelations about their earlier friendship followed by a fallout have compelled congressional Republicans to confront Trump’s Epstein associations more openly than before.
Multiple GOP senators expressed their views on Thursday, a day after the Wall Street Journal reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi and her deputy Todd Blanche had informed Trump in May that his name appeared several times in the Epstein files that the Department of Justice and the FBI were examining.
The officials notified Trump about their decision not to release any further documents, as stated in the report, due to the presence of child pornography and the personal information of victims within the material. President Trump, as per the Journal, indicated that he would accept the Justice Department’s choice not to disclose additional files. The report also mentioned that Trump was made aware that the names of numerous other prominent individuals were included in the documents, although the Journal clarified that this did not imply any wrongdoing.
An image of President Donald Trump alongside convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is displayed after being unofficially placed in a bus shelter, July 17, 2025, in London, England.Leon Neal/Getty Images
The president has faced backlash from various Republicans and conservative commentators regarding the Justice Department’s handling of the investigation. They have demanded more information concerning the Epstein files.
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a long-time ally of Trump, was questioned on Thursday about what recommendations he would offer the president.
"Be as open as possible. Release everything," stated the South Carolina Republican. "… The notion that Trump engaged in something wrong and Biden concealed it for four years is difficult to accept. Just release it. Allow the public to examine it."
Sen. Lindsay Graham speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol Building on February 12, 2025, in Washington.Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Republican Sen. Josh Hawley told ABC News that he was unconcerned that Trump delayed the release of the files due to potential embarrassment.
"I mean everyone is aware that he had some acquaintance with Epstein at one time. There’s a video of it. He has maintained this for years, so I don’t think it’s surprising that he’s mentioned the documents," Hawley stated.
"Anyone who ever crossed paths with him is going to be noted, so I don’t consider that a significant issue … but it certainly does not justify withholding the documents," he added.
Numerous senators, including Republican Thom Tillis, continue to insist on the complete release of the records.
"I’m consistent in my response every time you ask me this question. Release the damn files," he asserted. "And I seriously doubt, despite the House going on recess, that you’re going to forget about this between now and Labor Day."
Sen. Josh Hawley talks with reporters in the U.S. Capitol, June 28, 2025, in Washington.Al Drago/Getty Images
Hawley suggested collaborating with the House Oversight Committee, which has subpoenaed convicted Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell for a deposition in August.
"Conduct a joint House-Senate Committee on this, and have her testify,
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
