Trump calls Epstein files 'irrelevant' as Massie petition picks up steam
President Donald Trump on Wednesday cast the Jeffrey Epstein controversy as "irrelevant" amid an effort on Capitol Hill to force a vote to release all files related to the deceased sex offender."This is a Democrat hoax that never ends," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about the push for more transparency in the Epstein matter."From what I understand, I could check, but from what I understand, thousands of pages of documents have been given," the president said."But it's really a Democrat hoax because they're trying to get people to talk about something that's totally irrelevant to the success that we've had as a nation since I've been president."MORE: 'This is not a hoax': Epstein survivors speak out demanding files be releasedThe comments came as a group of survivors joined House members in a push to compel the Justice Department to release records so far withheld from Congress.ABC News Capitol Hill Correspondent Jay O'Brien asked the victims for their reaction to Trump's characterization that it is a "hoax."President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki in the Oval Office of the White House, Sept.
3, 2025, in Washington.Evan Vucci/APOne survivor, Haley Robson, said it felt like "being gutted from the inside out.""Mr.President Donald J.
Trump, I am a registered Republican -- not that that matters because this is not political -- however, I cordially invite you to meet me in the Capitol in person so you can understand this is not a hoax.We are real human beings.
This is real trauma," she responded.Republican Rep.Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep.
Ro Khanna's effort to force a vote on the files has led to a showdown with House Republican leadership and the White House.Massie's discharge petition had 206 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon.It needs 218 to compel a vote on the House floor.So far, four Republicans have signed on to the Massie and Khanna discharge petition -- a procedural tool to bypass GOP lea...