Republicans abandon vows to get Epstein files released: 'I don't give a rip'

House Republicans who publicly championed releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files have largely abandoned the effort, despite having voted to force Department of Justice disclosure.

According to Politico reporter Hailey Fuchs, when pressed about the DOJ's failure to meet a December 19 legal deadline for file release, GOP lawmakers are "shrugging" the matter off and prioritizing other concerns — to the delight of the White House.

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), one of the first House Republicans to demand disclosure, expressed indifference when asked about the DOJ's non-compliance: "I don't give a rip about Epstein. Like, there's so many other things we need to be working on. I've done what I had to do for Epstein. Talk to somebody else about that. It's no longer in my hands."

As political attention has shifted to other controversies—including Trump's military action in Venezuela and the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by an ICE agent in Minnesota—congressional Republicans have deprioritized the Epstein files issue, reflecting their reluctance to challenge the president.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), another vocal advocate for full disclosure in support of the victims, has also gone silent after promising on social media to "keep fighting" for victims' justice.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), previously outspoken about demanding complete file release, has shifted to defending the DOJ. She characterized the December 19 deadline as unrealistic and stated, "I'm not going to rush the process on that—we're going to get them."

You can read more here.