The best sleep aid for 2025: Get better sleep without a prescription
"Simple changes like sticking to a regular bedtime, reducing screen time before bed and avoiding caffeine in the afternoon can help," says Shelby Harris, a clinical psychologist and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis. "Focusing on these lifestyle changes often leads to better sleep than relying on over-the-counter or supplement sleep aids," she adds.
However, for those who've tried making lifestyle adjustments without success or face persistent sleep issues, sleep aids could help. Whether it's herbal supplements, over-the-counter medications or sleep-enhancing devices, sleep aids are best suited for individuals who need extra support to fall asleep or stay asleep due to ongoing disruptions.
The best sleep aid for you ultimately depends on what's keeping you up at night and what you're comfortable with. To help you figure out what to try, we consulted five experts — including doctors, mental health pros and sleep specialists — to get their take on what actually works. Using their insights, we identified the top natural sleep aids on the market and put 23 different products to the test, evaluating each on how well they worked, how easy they were to use and any standout features. Read on to see our picks of the best sleep aids in 2025.
A note on supplements
Some of the products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine.
Best overall sleep aid
More sleep aids we like in 2025
Types of sleep aids
Factors to consider when purchasing sleep aids
How we chose the best sleep aids
Other sleep aids we tested
FAQs
Meet our experts
Related: If you struggle to get to sleep without being in total darkness, we've rounded up lists of the best blackout curtains and shades and the best sleep masks. Or, if you prefer background sounds while you sleep, check out our lists of the best headphones for sleeping and the best white noise machines. On the flip side, if too much noise in your bedroom is your issue, we've found the best earplugs for sleeping to help you out. You can also track your sleep hygiene with one of the best sleep trackers to see what works for you. We've also rounded up lists of the best alarm clocks, including alarm clocks for heavy sleepers, and a list of the best sunrise alarm clocks that help you wake up more naturally. Looking for a tea for sleep or melatonin supplement? We've rounded up the best options for those too.
Updated March 7, 2025: We checked all prices and availability. Our pick for the best overall sleep aid remains unchanged.
Updated July 1, 2025: We checked all prices and availability. Our pick for the best overall sleep aid remains unchanged.
(back to top)
(back to top)
When it comes to improving sleep, various approaches and products are available, each tailored to different types of sleep challenges. Whether you're dealing with occasional sleeplessness or chronic insomnia, finding the right solution depends on understanding your specific needs.
As Dr. Monique May, a family physician and medical adviser at Aeroflow Sleep, explains, "The type of sleep aids or lifestyle changes will vary based on the severity and duration of sleep issues."
From behavioral adjustments and sleep-enhancing devices to over-the-counter and natural remedies, many methods help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Here's a breakdown of some of the most effective sleep aids:
Sleep hygiene tools: Sleep masks, blackout curtains, supportive pillows and bedding that keep you cool or warm, depending on personal preference, can help create an environment conducive to sleep. Consider what enables you to relax and incorporate it into your bedroom.
Exercise: Studies show that regular physical activity improves sleep quality and duration. Guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.
Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and deep-breathing techniques can help reduce stress and promote relaxation before bed. Using a meditation app can help guide you through a bedtime routine and create consistent habits.
Antihistamines: Many over-the-counter sleep aids include antihistamines, typically used to treat allergies. These medications can induce drowsiness and help you fall asleep more easily. However, they may also cause side effects such as dry mouth and dizziness.
Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle. Some people find that taking melatonin before bed helps them fall asleep faster.
Teas: Blends that contain soothing herbs like chamomile, valerian root and passionflower can help promote relaxation. Just be cautious of teas containing caffeine, which can interfere with your sleep patterns.
CBD (cannabidiol): CBD is a compound found in the hemp plant that's been studied for its potential sleep-promoting effects. Some CBD sleep supplements contain melatonin or other natural ingredients to enhance its impact. Look for products tested by a third-party lab that contain no more than the legal limit of 0.3% THC.
Essential oils: Lavender, chamomile and other essential oils can be diffused before bed to create a calming atmosphere. You can also apply them topically using a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba, but do a patch test first and verify you're using a skin-safe oil.
White noise machines: These devices produce a steady sound like soft rain or white noise to help drown out other noises that could disturb your sleep.
Light therapy devices: These are designed to omit an artificial light that mimics natural daylight and can help regulate your body's sleep-wake cycle. This is an active area of research, but some studies have shown promising results for mood disorders and improved sleep.
Sleep-tracking apps: Besides the RISE app, many other sleep-tracking apps are available on Android and iOS devices. Some offer mindset exercises, journaling prompts and other tools to help improve sleep habits.
Wearable sleep trackers: Sleep trackers, worn on the wrist or finger, monitor your sleep patterns and provide detailed data about your sleep stages and habits. They can also sync with apps to provide more comprehensive insights about your sleep behavior.
(back to top)
When choosing the best sleep aid for your needs, our experts recommend considering the following factors:
Cost: How much are you willing to spend on a sleep aid? Keep in mind that some may require additional purchases, such as wearable devices or subscription fees for apps.
Underlying cause of sleep problems: Stress, anxiety, illness, mental health disorders and other chronic disorders can affect your sleep, says Ed O'Malley, an integrative sleep medicine and dynamic neurofeedback specialist. Sleep aids aren't a cure for long-term sleep disturbances; in fact, they could worsen them. If you have a medical condition or are taking medications that may interfere with your sleep, talk to your doctor before trying a sleep aid, particularly one you need to ingest.
Severity and duration of sleep issues: Don't use a sleep aid without consulting your doctor if you have severe or persistent sleep problems. Chronic insomnia — difficulty falling or staying asleep for at least three nights per week for three months — requires professional treatment.
Potential side effects and interactions: Even natural or herbal products have potential side effects and interactions, says Dr. Gil Lichtshein, a clinical psychiatrist. Always read the label and talk with your pharmacist if you have questions about potential health risks.
Personal preferences: You don't have to spend much money on fancy gadgets or supplements to get a good night's rest. The key to finding the right sleep aid is to listen to your body. Bedroom not dark enough? Try a sleep mask or blackout curtains. Stressed out before bed? Give meditation or a warm cup of tea a try.
(back to top)
To determine the best sleep aids, we tested 22 products and evaluated each based on factors such as usability, features and overall experience. We consulted with sleep experts, including a clinical psychologist, a clinical psychiatrist, two integrative medicine specialists and a board-certified licensed physician. Each expert shared details about factors contributing to sleep issues and what to look for when choosing a sleep aid. We also factored in expert recommendations and customer reviews.
(back to top)
Ritual BioSeries Melatonin: This dissolvable capsule contains three smaller tablets, each designed to release melatonin at different stages throughout the night. After taking it, I slept more soundly and didn't experience any morning grogginess. However, at $28 per bottle, it's pricier than Thorne's Melatonin-3, which we found to be just as effective.
Sealy Posturepedic Plus: This mattress has fantastic edge support and minimal motion transfer, but the medium feel is firmer than expected.
Turonic PH950 Air Purifier and Humidifier: I love the design and multi-functionality of this product, but the set-up process posed some challenges.
GuruNanda Sleep Essential Oils (out of stock): The scents are pleasant, not overwhelming, and great for diffusing before bed. But it wasn't as helpful as some other options.
Sleep Number TruTemp Sheets: These are a great option if you have trouble regulating your body temperature throughout the night, but they aren't as soft as other sheets I've tested.
Traditional Medicinals Organic Nighty Night Tea: Though it's not a miracle cure for sleep issues, it tastes delicious and is a great way to unwind. That said, it's slightly more expensive than our top pick.
Nature Made Valerian Root: I experienced a noticeable improvement in my overactive mind after taking this supplement, but it didn't help me stay asleep throughout the night.
Mega Food Relax + Calm Magnesium Chews: These individually wrapped chews taste great and are convenient for consuming magnesium. However, you need to take them consistently to reap the benefits.
Manola Sleep Contour Latex Pillow: This pillow is made with natural materials, has a washable cover and offers excellent neck support, but it may not be firm enough for some.
ThisWorks Sleep+ Pillow Spray: This pillow spray includes lavender, chamomile and vetivert essential oils to help restore normal sleep patterns. I found the spray smells nice, to create an inviting sleep atmosphere, but I couldn't say whether it improved my sleep.
(back to top)
It depends. Some sleep aids, like melatonin supplements and herbal teas, are generally considered safe. However, some prescription and OTC sleep aids can have side effects and may interact with other medications, says O'Malley.
Consult with a doctor before using any sleep aid, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications.
Some sleep aids can cause dependence or withdrawal symptoms when used long-term. Herbal products generally have less risk of dependency when used for a short time, but they may not be as effective for severe sleep issues.
Some sleep aids begin working within 30 minutes, while others may require consistent use over a few weeks to see results.
It's essential to follow the product's recommended usage, as many OTC sleep aids and supplements aren't meant to be a long-term solution to chronic sleep issues.
(back to top)
Shelby Harris, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist, clinical associate professor and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis
Gil Lichtshein, MD, PA, board-certified clinical psychiatrist
Ed O'Malley, PhD, FAASM, integrative sleep medicine specialist, dynamic neuro-feedback specialist and co-founder of Your Optimal Nature
Monique May, MD, board-certified licensed family physician and medical adviser at Aeroflow Sleep
Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, integrative medicine physician, researcher and author of From Fatigued to Fantastic
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
(back to top)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
WebMD
3 minutes ago
- WebMD
Why BMI Still Won't Die
July 29, 2025 — The body mass index was born in judgment. Its creator, the 19th-century Belgian astronomer and statistician Adolphe Quetelet, believed that greatness arose from averageness. The closer an individual was to the average size and shape of their time and place, the closer they were to perfection. Any sports fan instantly sees the flaw in this logic: How boring would basketball be if the average NBA player was 5-foot-9 instead of 6-foot-7? But it gets worse: Quetelet asserted that the further someone deviated from the population average, the more flawed they were. First, however, he had to figure out what 'average' was. Starting with a database of measurements from Scottish soldiers, Quetelet developed a formula of weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters) squared. More than a century later, in 1972, legendary nutrition scientist Ancel Keys coined a new name for Quetelet's formula: body mass index, or BMI. What was conceived in judgment remains quite judge-y. BMI continues to serve as a demarcation between a 'normal' or 'healthy' body weight (a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9) and the deviance of being 'overweight' (a BMI of 25 to 29.9) or 'obese' (a BMI of 30 or more). Today, there's nothing 'normal' about a sub-25 BMI. Not when the average American adult has a BMI of 30 — just a couple of sandwiches past 'overweight' —and the CDC estimates that 42% of U.S. adults have obesity. That's why, over the past decade, a growing number of doctors and scientists have argued that BMI as a health metric is past its sell-by date. But before we talk about what's wrong with BMI and what health professionals can use instead, we need to look at how it became so ubiquitous and what it tells us — and doesn't. What BMI Can and Can't Tell Us 'The advantage of BMI,' said obesity specialist Yoni Freedhoff, MD, is that 'it's easily calculable.' Just run your height and weight through a BMI calculator. Freedhoff, an associate professor of family medicine at the University of Ottawa and medical director of the Bariatric Medical Institute, also acknowledges that 'BMI has a basis in statistical risk.' We've known for a long time that a person with obesity has a higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned that someone with a BMI over 30 was statistically more likely to develop a severe or even fatal illness. But when we look at overall risk of dying early from any cause, the link to excess body weight doesn't line up with expectations. A 2023 study found that, among U.S. adults, the likelihood of early death was 5%-7% lower among people with a BMI in the 'overweight' range, compared to those with a BMI between 22.5 and 24.9. The results varied significantly for older vs. younger groups. For those 65 and older, the chance of early death was about the same across BMIs from 22.5 to 34.9 — from the high end of 'healthy' to the low end of 'obese.' But for participants younger than 65, the lowest death rates were more constrained: from 22.5 to 27.4. 'BMI alone does not capture metabolic risk well,' said study author Aayush Visaria, MD, an instructor of medicine and clinical researcher at Rutgers University. That's because it can't distinguish between fat mass and lean tissue (muscle, bone, water), much less account for how a person's fat is distributed. That's important, Visaria said, because health professionals may overlook potential health risks in a patient who has a 'normal' BMI but poor body composition — the ratio of fat to muscle. The combination isn't as rare as it sounds. Research shows that many people with a 'healthy' BMI have excess body fat, defined as 25% or more in men and 35% or more in women. So what are the alternatives to using BMI to assess a patient's health risks? A New Paradigm for Diagnosing Obesity 'BMI by itself doesn't do anything for me,' said Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, MPH, an obesity medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. 'I call it street-corner medicine. You're looking at the person like you're sitting on the street corner and you're like, 'That person has this issue.'' That's the message of a recent report that Stanford developed along with dozens of obesity experts from across the globe. The report puts obesity on a continuum. Where a person lands depends on how much body fat they have and how it affects their health and abilities. Toward the healthier end, you'd have someone whose BMI puts them in the overweight or obesity range but who has no weight-related health problems. They also wouldn't have excess fat mass, which you can indirectly measure with a tape measure. If their waist circumference, measured at the belly button, is less than 35 inches (for a woman) or 40 inches (for a man), you can assume they have a healthy body composition. A lot of athletes and other highly active people would fit into this category. At the other end of the continuum is clinical obesity: a chronic illness caused by excess body fat. Clinical obesity affects the person's health and/or quality of life at a functional level. They might have sleep apnea or joint pain; high blood pressure or heart problems; or high blood sugar or low HDL cholesterol. Or it might be some combination. Whatever the symptoms are, clinical obesity has a significant effect on the patient's present and future health status. Somewhere in between is preclinical obesity. In this category, a person has objectively high body fat (whether measured directly with DEXA or indirectly via waist circumference) but doesn't yet have obesity-related complications. Those complications are by no means exclusive to people with obesity. In a recent study, Stanford and her co-authors found that 61% of participants with a BMI of 30 or higher had at least one obesity-related complication — typically muscle or joint pain, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. But so did 50% of participants with a 'normal' BMI. 'I don't know anything about [a patient] until I do a full assessment,' Stanford said. In fact, she won't see a new patient until she has access to a full metabolic workup, including fasting blood lipids and glucose, as well as their height and weight measurements. 'I don't even go over BMI with patients until it gets very severe, which is that 40-plus group.' What No Measurement Can Tell Us Someone with such a high BMI is unlikely to be surprised by hearing it. 'People who have excess weight know they have excess weight,' Freedhoff said. 'The doctors know. Everybody knows.' That's why Freedhoff doesn't think it matters if we replace or combine BMI with any other metrics. 'None of those numbers tell you if the individual in front of you has health consequences of their excess adiposity,' he said. Even more important, he added, is whether they themselves have any concerns about their weight. 'And if the answer to all those questions is no' — they have no medical conditions that require treatment, and they don't think their weight affects their quality of life — 'they're good to go. Just monitor, like we would with any other medical condition.' Why BMI Won't Go Away So if BMI doesn't offer uniquely valuable information, why is it still so ubiquitous? Why is it still used to assess who is or isn't at risk for diabetes or heart disease? Why is BMI the basis for prescribing in-demand weight loss medicines or for approving a range of procedures from joint replacements to organ transplants? 'It all comes down to what's the easiest, best number to use?' Freedhoff said. 'I'm not saying it's BMI, but I'm not saying it isn't.' If excess body fat is what medical providers should be monitoring, he added, 'BMI is pretty darned good' at detecting it. That's supported by a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It showed that an overwhelming majority of participants with a BMI above the obesity threshold do, in fact, have excess body fat, as measured by DEXA. Still, Freedhoff said, no number has perfect prognostic value. That applies to any tool doctors use for any chronic condition. The difference with BMI is that it comes with the onus of personal responsibility. Whereas a doctor would never suggest that a patient's cardiac arrhythmia is a choice, that implication is almost always part of the conversation when it comes to obesity. 'I marvel at how challenging it seems to be for society as a whole, including health care, to consider obesity to be just another chronic medical condition that the person did not choose, that does not always guarantee problems, that does respond to treatment, and that should be free from blame,' Freedhoff said.
Forbes
4 minutes ago
- Forbes
Vacations Are Necessities, Not Luxuries
A businessman is relaxing at the beach Summer Has Become Synonymous With Vacations. Warm temperatures that bathe most of the country often encourage individuals to enjoy a change of routine that leads to relaxation. Over the last year and a half, statistics show that an average of 50% of Americans had taken a respite during the summer. Whether their tastes dictate exotic travel or trips to more domestic locations, most workers in the United States will take some type of break from their professional routines. The ritual of summer vacations raises two seminal questions: Given the competitive job market and ever-rising cost of living, are vacations economically prudent? Fundamentally, do vacations constitute necessities or mere luxuries? Despite the conventional wisdom of earning a living at all costs, it has become increasingly evident that vacations are more than luxuries. Studies suggest that any break in the routine of work becomes a necessity that preserves life and vitality. Workers in the United States dedicate more hours to their jobs over sustained periods than workers in other industrialized nations. The struggle to earn a living often becomes a fixation with many working an inordinate number of hours. Some individuals work more than one job to make ends meet. The compulsion to work longer and harder has taken a toll. Incidents of burnout occur far more frequently, with some experiencing job dissatisfaction due to overwork. Perhaps the most disturbing factor resulting from overwork has been elevated stress levels. Stress, which has increased markedly for many in the American workforce, can negatively impact health. In fact, heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression represent several health issues that plague those who work incessantly. The legal profession exemplifies the hazards of overwork without a respite. A disturbing number of lawyers who work hours on end without sufficient breaks suffer professional burnout, substance abuse, or relational disfunctions. The totality of studies proves that individuals who work full-time on a constant basis should periodically escape their professional routines to remain vital and healthy. The benefits of vacations can be profound, including a marked improvement in physical and mental health. Some believe that an impactful vacation requires a significant outlay of cash to finance an opulent getaway. A respite from work, however, need not take the form of an expensive sojourn. In fact, any escape from professional responsibilities can achieve the desired results of relaxation and renewal. If resources are scarce or inescapable professional obligations prohibit extensive travel, individuals may avail themselves of less costly alternatives for vacations that are more locally based. Activities such as camping, hiking, or visiting local parks and outdoor entertainment venues can achieve desired results without having to spend a considerable amount of money. More local, yet urban recreational activities include visiting historical sites or discovering new venues such as museums, galleries, and restaurants. Experiencing these activities with friends could heighten the level of enjoyment and maximize the diversionary aspect of these outings. An alternative that maximizes a break from routine also includes visiting nearby cities or towns. Many seldom explore sites of interest within reasonable distances from their homesteads. Exploring historical and cultural venues in adjacent venues can provide enriching experiences that do not involve extensive or cumbersome logistics. An effective vacation could be minimalist in nature. Effective breaks from the regimen of work could include binge watching favorite movies and television programs or pursuing avocational activities such as reading a book that is unrelated to professional obligations, learning to play a musical instrument, delving into a recreational sport, or taking a cooking class. Planning a vacation requires prudent judgment to ensure a stress-free experience. Individuals should consider carefully such tasks as home improvement projects or volunteer activities that come with exacting expectations. These activities could be as stressful as professional obligations. Similarly, vacations with relatives should maximize relaxation rather than produce anxiety. Many individuals take only one vacation a year. A single break from the work routine, however, may not sufficiently recharge. Depending upon the stress level of a job, breaks from work should occur periodically, thereby minimizing any reoccurrences of burnout. Brief respites taken on a regular basis can be substantially beneficial. Despite the tendency to hold the bottom line on costs, employers should recognize the inherent value of vacations and encourage their employees to take advantage of the benefit. Companies with attractive vacation policies engender loyalty from their employees, who, in return, tend to work with greater efficiency and dedication. The benefits of vacations become symbiotic. Workers feel valued and refreshed when they return to work. Employers reap the benefit of a loyal workforce whose expertise remains with the company. Dr. Maya Angelou, poet, actress, author, and Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University, has stated: 'Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from cares which will not withdraw from us.' Dr. Angelou's profound statement has contemporary validity. If American employers and workers recognize the benefits of vacations and pursue these respites with intelligent purpose, perhaps job satisfaction, performative efficiency, and a healthier and happier workforce would become omnipresent realities.
NBC News
4 minutes ago
- NBC News
Some Democrats warn that Epstein is a 'distraction' from Trump's unpopular big bill
WASHINGTON — Democratic leaders can't stop talking about releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files — the rare issue that's driven a wedge between Donald Trump and his MAGA base, and been a nagging nuisance for GOP leaders for weeks. But while most Democrats think it's win-win for the party to keep a divisive issue for Republicans at the forefront, not all agree. Some Democrats say the Epstein saga is an unwelcome distraction that's diverting attention away from Trump's "big, beautiful bill," which they warn will cause millions of Americans to lose healthcare and food assistance. Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Education and the Workforce Committee, went so far as to suggest Republicans deliberately drummed up the Epstein issue — just as Congress departs for its long, summer recess — to avoid dealing back home with the political fallout from Trump's unpopular law. 'Republicans took away people's health care, took away their nutrition benefits to cut taxes for the wealthy and ran up $3 trillion in debt. And so they're getting people to talk about Epstein so that people won't find it out. … Any discussion about Epstein diverts attention from what we ought to be talking about,' Scott said in a recent interview. To the contrary, Republican leadership and Trump himself have been eager to set the Epstein issue aside. But Scott's theory isn't entirely off-base, according to one GOP official working on congressional campaigns. Though the Epstein saga is proving all-consuming, it is a welcome distraction — for now — for some Republicans hoping to avoid discussing the megabill's cuts, the GOP source said. "We need to get them to release the files so people can stop talking about it and then get back to the message,' said Scott, whose state is home to nearly 1.8 million Medicaid and children's health program enrollees. 'The entire August recess needs to be: They're taking your health care, whether you're on Medicaid or not. They're adversely affecting your health care. They're taking your nutrition benefits.' Several other Democrats agreed. 'Clearly it's a distraction,' Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., told NBC when asked if it was a mistake to put Epstein front and center. 'I'm much more concerned about more substantial things like cuts in Medicaid and now coming up in September, not shutting the government down. I mean, there's so much more, I think, more impactful at this point, for me.' Asked about Democrats rushing to play up the Epstein matter, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., replied, "What I'm doing in Virginia in August is I'm going to talk about Medicaid and Medicare and SNAP." And Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said on Monday: 'The most important thing for us to communicate to Americans is that Republicans voted for a bill that is going to close rural hospitals and senior centers. Epstein is also a legitimate concern. But I, overwhelmingly, prioritize the reconciliation bill.' Most Democrats egg on Epstein feud The majority of congressional Democrats are relishing the Epstein moment, however. The Republican Party has spent weeks bitterly divided over whether to release the remaining files and records related to the Justice Department's investigation into Epstein, the financier and convicted sex offender who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Democrats say the issue highlights the GOP's hypocrisy about transparency in the Epstein matter — Trump and many MAGA figures had called for more disclosure on Epstein during the last campaign but now Trump is failing to deliver on the files. Democrats also have hammered home that Trump socialized with Epstein, though Trump said Monday he ended his friendship with him and threw him out of his private Florida club, Mar-a-Lago, many years ago, after the financier "stole" his workers. 'Jeffrey Epstein was a friend of Donald Trump. Jeffrey Epstein was arrested during the Trump administration. Jeffrey Epstein was detained during the Trump administration. Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide during the Trump administration," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said at a news conference last week. Speaking to reporters two days later, Jeffries was still talking about Epstein, arguing that Democrats can talk about both Epstein and the negative impacts of what he calls Trump's 'big, ugly bill.' He even suggested the two seemingly disparate issues are related, saying Republicans are protecting the 'lifestyles of the rich and shameless, even if that includes pedophiles.' 'The reality is it's all connected from the standpoint of Donald Trump, his administration and House Republicans,' Jeffries replied when asked if Democrats focusing so much attention on Epstein is taking away from their attacks on the GOP megabill. 'Republicans are focused on their billionaire donors. That was the centerpiece of the one big, ugly bill and it's what explains Republican refusal to release the Epstein files.' 'We're winning' During the House's final workweek before the five-week August recess, Democrats appeared laser-focused on the Epstein controversy. They forced vote after vote during committee meetings to try to compel the Justice Department to release the Epstein files. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was forced to recess the House one day early because of Democrats' efforts on Epstein. Meanwhile, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who's working closely with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie on a discharge petition to force a floor vote on the matter, talked up the Epstein files in an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" and to a gathering of Democratic mayors in Cleveland on Friday. 'This is effective. We're fighting,' Khanna said in an interview with NBC News before the Friday event, adding that the issue has yielded more calls and emails to his office than any other in his nine years in Congress. 'And a lot of times, you know, they were like, Democrats are not fighting enough, right? And not standing up enough. This is the first time since, I would say, November, that we're winning. I mean, we forced the Republican speaker to shut down his own agenda a week early.' Khanna also drew a comparison to the 2024 election, in which Republicans hammered then-Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democratic candidates on the issues of transgender people participating in sports, as well as their use of preferred pronouns. Trump and others have referred to those as '90-10' issues, meaning that an overwhelming majority of voters are in agreement with Republicans. 'It's nice to be on the 90-10 side of an issue, as opposed to the other way around, which we were for some of the 2024 campaign,' Khanna told NBC News. With the Epstein issue, he continued, 'we are now on the side of transparency. We're now on the side of populism. ... And it's hard to say we're partisan, because you could just cite Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene and Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon.' Changing the subject Trump and his top aides have been eager to change the subject from the Epstein episode, even as some of his top administration officials do things that drive more Epstein headlines. It all started earlier this month when the DOJ and FBI published a two-page memo stating that Epstein had taken his own life in prison and that their review 'revealed no incriminating 'client list'' and no credible evidence that Epstein had blackmailed prominent individuals. Many of Trump's MAGA allies were incredulous at the memo's findings, putting some of Trump's top law enforcement officials in the hot seat. Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a motion to unseal grand jury transcripts related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal case in Manhattan federal court on July 18. And on Friday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche wrapped up two days of meetings with former Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving out a 20-year sentence after being found guilty of sex trafficking minors. Though Trump and his supporters drove conspiracy theories about Epstein during his campaign, Republicans have also pointed out that Democrats could have released the files during the Biden administration but chose not to. Speaker Johnson accused Democrats of trying to 'weaponize' the issue. 'Democrats said nothing and did nothing, absolutely nothing, about bringing transparency for the entire four years of the Biden presidency,' he said last week. But Democrats have called that claim bogus. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters he first called for the release of the Epstein files in 2019 — when Trump was president.
