MAGA splinters as Epstein fight returns to Congress

Congress returns from recess this week with Jeffrey Epstein back in the spotlight.This time, though, President Trump's supporters are divided over how much they still care about the government's files on the late sex offender — and the administration's reluctance to tell all.Why it matters: MAGA's response to a fresh Epstein news cycle could either cement a playbook for healing rifts with Trump — or trigger another meltdown that derails the GOP's fall agenda.If the Epstein scandal fades, it will show even sharp breaks with Trump within the movement can be patched over when bigger fights emerge.If it explodes again, Republicans risk losing control of their end-of-year priorities — from government funding to a new crime bill.Driving the news: Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) are seeking to force a House vote mandating the full release of the Justice Department's documents on Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.On Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee released a tranche of more than 33,000 Epstein-related records, which the Justice Department turned over after a subpoena in August.But Massie told Axios that the batch "looks like a bunch of redacted documents and nothing new, so it's not going to suffice."Massie and Khanna will hold a press conference Wednesday with 10 of Epstein's victims, including "many who have never spoken out before," Khanna said.House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) — who sent lawmakers home early in August to avoid difficult Epstein votes — acknowledged Friday that the House will "probably" vote on "one measure or another."What to watch: As the House Oversight Committee ramps up its investigation, testimony from three key witnesses over the coming weeks could either calm or inflame the MAGA base.FBI Director Kash Patel, a prominent purveyor of Epstein conspiracy theories before entering government, will testify publicly before the House Judiciary Committee on Sept. 18.Former Trump Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, who approved a sweetheart plea deal with Epstein as a federal prosecutor in 2008, will appear for a closed-door interview with Oversight on Sept. 19.Attorney General Pam Bondi, who first enraged MAGA with a July memo concluding that Epstein died by suicide and did not have a "client list," despite her previous comments to the contrary, will testify publicly before the Judiciary Committee on Oct. 9.What they're saying: Despite Trump's insistence on moving on, MAGA has not budged from its theories that Epstein was some kind of intelligence asset who used his sex trafficking network to blackmail the world's rich and powerful — before they had him murdered behind bars.But some MAGA activists say the issue has been eclipsed by more urgent fights — or warn Democrats are using it to unfairly tarnish Trump (a former friend of Epstein) and divide Republicans."I think there's growing consensus that Dems are intent on weaponizing it ... so I think we're content to let the admin do their thing at their own pace," one MAGA media producer told Axios.Yes, but: A vocal segment of the movement isn't ready to let Epstein go — especially with Congress back in session and potential new disclosures on the horizon."MAGA prioritizes transparency, and there is clearly a strong desire for accountability on this issue," MAGA influencer Jayne Zirkle said."The Epstein case has endured multiple news cycles so far, and I expect that to continue until the public gets some clarity."Between the lines: MAGA's collision course with Trump cooled in August, once Congress left town.Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released a flurry of disclosures about the 2016 Russia investigation, the redistricting battles were launched and the National Guard began patrolling D.C.Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell's interviews with DOJ officials — in which she claimed she never saw Trump "in any inappropriate setting" — also helped ease pressure on the president.The coming weeks will test what else — if anything — GOP leadership can do to steer attention off of the most enduring controversy of Trump's presidency so far."Democrats have been in a position to force votes, and if they resume that, I think this conversation reignites and does so in a way where it'll split Republicans," said one veteran GOP strategist with extensive experience on Capitol Hill."Because it's inevitable, because you have multiple committees who are focused on this right now…you just have to suck it up."

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