Unlikely alliance targets Epstein cover-up, Trump feels the heat
This is a rare example of two Democrats and a Republican working together. A story from Politico says that the move could make it harder for former President Donald Trump to distance himself from the scandal.
Ten Republican lawmakers and five Democratic lawmakers have already backed the plan, which involves filing a discharge petition to get the bill put to a vote. People usually only see discharge petitions as symbolic, but this one is really taking off and could bring together people from all political parties, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Lauren Boebert, Rashida Tlaib, and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
When Khanna talked to the reporters, he said, "This is about government openness and responsibility." No one should be above the law, no matter how rich or powerful they are.
An story in the Wall Street Journal said that Trump sent Epstein a letter on his 50th birthday, which has made people look more closely at his past relationships with Epstein. Even though Trump has denied writing the letter and hasn't been charged with any crimes, the political damage is getting worse, especially among his supporters.
This isn't the first time the two have worked together. They have worked together before on bills that would limit U.S. involvement in wars like those in Yemen and Iran.
Analysts say this new effort might work if all Democrats back it, which Khanna said is likely based on recent conversations within the party. The effort is also part of a larger trend among populists on the left and right to find common ground on issues such as foreign policy, corporate power, regulating AI, and the cost of housing.
When Democrats push for the Epstein records to be made public, they want to keep Trump on the defensive before the 2026 elections. Even though the former president hasn't been officially charged with any crimes connected to Epstein, there is a growing movement to keep his name in the scandal.
People who support the bill say that Epstein's network needs to be fully open and honest in order to rebuild trust in the public and help victims get justice.
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