Trump Blasts MTG, Calls Push to Release Epstein Files a 'Democrat Hoax'

Trump Criticizes Republicans Pressing for More Epstein Records, Targets Marjorie Taylor Greene

President Donald Trump on Friday lashed out at what he called "some of the dumber Republicans" pressing for broader disclosure of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, singling out Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and characterizing the effort as a "Democrat hoax." Speaking from Air Force One, Trump said, "I know nothing about her. They can have whatever they want. They already do. Look, this is a Democrat hoax and a few Republicans have gone along with it because they are weak and ineffective."

"We think it's bad to talk about it because it gets away from the subject of how well the Republicans are doing," he added.

Greene earlier called Trump's dismissal "a huge miscalculation," after endorsing a bipartisan push — including a small number of House Republicans — to force a vote via a discharge petition to make more Epstein-related records public. Speaking on CBS Mornings, Greene reiterated that she does not believe Trump committed crimes in connection with his past relationship with Epstein, but said she objects to the White House brushing off lawmakers who want additional disclosure as "stupid."

"Just being very honest with you, it's something that I don't understand," Greene said, arguing that releasing more documents would send a clear message that the government "will not protect the predators," even when those accused are wealthy or influential.

The House is expected to consider a vote on the petition next week. Pressure on the White House intensified after Congress released a batch of emails this week in which Epstein reportedly claimed Trump "knew about the girls" he said he recruited. Trump responded, "I know nothing about that," adding, "If they had anything they would've used it before the election."

Trump has denied any wrongdoing connected to Epstein and has publicly called for investigations into Epstein's ties to prominent figures across the political spectrum; he has also referenced Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, in comments about the matter.

Broader Rift Within GOP

Greene's stance is part of a pattern of increasingly public criticism of the Trump administration from within the GOP. She has attacked the White House for what she calls excessive focus on foreign travel and diplomacy at the expense of domestic economic and affordability issues, telling NBC News, "No one cares about the foreign countries... No one cares about the never-ending amount of foreign leaders coming to the White House every single week."

Trump has dismissed Greene's critiques, saying she has "changed politically" and that his office has received calls from her district about a potential primary challenge. "She's lost a wonderful conservative reputation," he said, defending his diplomatic trips as important for U.S. interests and investment.

Greene has also criticized fellow Republicans over lapsed Affordable Care Act subsidies, calling rising healthcare costs a "five-alarm fire" for the party. Once best known for theatrical tactics and embracing conspiracy theories, she has recently redirected attention toward policy issues, including concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Speculation that Greene might be positioning for a future presidential bid in 2028 has circulated in recent weeks; she has dismissed those reports as "baseless rumors."