8:11Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., left, and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., appear on “This Week With George Stephanopoulos” on Sunday, July 27, 2025.ABC News
Republican Representative Thomas Massie expressed support on Sunday for Democratic Representative Ro Khanna’s initiative to subpoena documents from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate pertaining to his case, which includes, as noted by the Wall Street Journal, a birthday letter to Epstein purportedly penned by President Donald Trump in 2003.
"I believe we should obtain much more than just the letter. We ought to acquire the financial records of the estate. Where is it — follow the money, as they say here," Massie remarked to ABC News' "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl. "We should examine the plea agreement. Let’s open that up. What was the arrangement? What deal was made? There’s likely much more than just that letter."
The Wall Street Journal reported on a birthday message Trump allegedly inscribed in a book of notes for Epstein’s 50th birthday — the president denies its existence and has initiated a defamation lawsuit against the Journal over the report. ABC News has not been able to verify the existence of the letter.
Massie and Khanna’s collaborative legislation would compel a House vote on the disclosure of the Epstein documents held by the Justice Department. However, Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the House for August recess a day earlier, effectively evading efforts to release additional files. Massie and Khanna are pursuing a discharge petition, which would require 218 votes from House members to bypass Johnson.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., appears on “This Week With George Stephanopoulos” on Sunday, July 27, 2025.ABC News
"It would mandate a complete release of the files. It possesses the power of law, "Massie stated on "This Week." "It’s not a subpoena. It’s not a ‘Pretty please, could you release the files?’ It carries the weight of law, and it includes protections to redact victims' names and to prevent the release of child pornography."
Khanna emphasized that the Democratic interest in this matter is not new, despite assertions that the party has seized upon the case amid disputes within some factions of Trump’s MAGA base.
"We have been advocating for transparency during the Biden administration, both in 2021 and during the 2024 court-ordered release of documents, but Donald Trump escalated the situation and did so in a manner that was warranted. He claimed, ‘Look, when I get into office, I’m going to release the files,’" Khanna remarked.
Here are additional highlights from Massie and Khanna's interview:
Khanna on potential clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell
Karl: Congressman Khanna, we had this rather remarkable visit to Florida, of Todd Blanche to meet with Ghislaine Maxwell. Do you concur with those who suggest she should testify? Is there a desire for her to appear before Congress?
Khanna: I do. I harbor skepticism, considering she was charged with perjury, given she has an incentive for obtaining a pardon. Again, I appreciate that Todd Blanche met with her, reportedly one-on-one. Nevertheless, I advocate for all evidence to be revealed. It’s crucial, however, that this is not an anti-Trump endeavor. It’s about transparency. I’m less focused on his mentions. I’m far more concerned about the numerous powerful and wealthy individuals who acted with impunity, and I’m focused on restoring justice for the victims. He pledged to unveil this. I think the American public recognizes he’s not flawless. They believed he would unveil a system that failed them, and that’s fundamentally what this is about.
[Editor's note: Perjury charges against Maxwell were dropped following her conviction for sex trafficking.]
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
