Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) claimed that multiple House Republican colleagues informed him that they’re planning a “jail break” revolt of over 100 lawmakers against President Donald Trump if there’s a discharge petition to force a vote on the Jeffrey Epstein files release.
The long-awaited vote, pushed by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), has been delayed as the House remains in recess amid a government shutdown, but it reportedly has enough signatures to force action once the chamber reconvenes.
Trump, who urged the release of the Epstein files on the campaign trail, has since dismissed the case as “a hoax” and told supporters not to “waste time” on the matter. This comes amid renewed scrutiny of his association with Epstein after newly released documents included a purported birthday note to the disgraced financier, which he denied writing.
In a post to X on Wednesday, Swalwell gleefully shared that “Trump’s movement/support is fading” among Republicans and that one GOP lawmaker told him “no [one] wants to defend a pedo-protector.”
Indeed, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is facing growing bipartisan criticism for the voting delay, with critics accusing him of extending the recess to avoid the politically explosive issue.
“Johnson and the House Republicans care more about protecting the Epstein files than protecting the American people,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Johnson dismissed the charge as “totally absurd,” telling NBC’s Meet the Press on Monday that he supports full transparency: “I want every page of this out.”
Massie lashed out at the recess on Sunday, warning he had “218 votes for the discharge petition.”
Other Republicans, including MAGA hardliner Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), urged Johnson to recall lawmakers.
“Not being in session certainly does avoid the Epstein discharge petition, which I’ve never understood why it’s anything to hide. Aren’t we all against convicted pedophiles and anyone who enables them?” Greene told Axios on Monday.
The House is expected to return once the Senate acts on funding legislation.
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