Epstein uproar 'undermines public trust'

Dispute hurts hope to retain Congress

- 

The uproar over disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein could undermine public trust in the Trump administration, as well as Republican hopes of retaining control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, two US lawmakers said on Sunday.

Republican Representative Thomas Massie and Democratic Representative Ro Khanna, who want the House of Representatives to vote on their bipartisan resolution requiring full release of the government's Epstein files, said the lack of transparency is reinforcing public perceptions that the rich and powerful live beyond the reach of the judicial system.

“This is going to hurt Republicans in the midterms. The voters will be apathetic if we don’t hold the rich and powerful accountable,” Mr Massie, a hard-line conservative from Kentucky, told NBC's Meet the Press programme.

Republicans hope to add to their current 219-212 House majority — with four seats currently vacant — and 53-47 Senate majority in November 2026, although the US political cycle traditionally punishes the party of the sitting president during midterm elections.

Massie: Hold the rich accountable

The Washington Post reported late on Sunday that Mr Trump was increasingly frustrated with his administration’s handling of the furore around Epstein.