GOP Rift Widens: Trump Reverses on Epstein Files, Cuts Ties with MTG and Presses Indiana on Redistricting

GOP Rift Widens as Trump Reverses Course and Public Feuds Multiply

Republican divisions have grown more public in recent days, even as former President Donald Trump remains broadly popular with GOP voters. A series of flashpoints — from Trump’s reversal on releasing Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein to his withdrawal of support for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and an escalating fight over Indiana redistricting — have produced public spats, threats of primary challenges and uncertainty about how party leaders will respond.

Epstein records

After initially opposing a measure to force the Justice Department to release its files on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Trump reversed himself and urged House Republicans to vote to make the records public. He wrote on Truth Social that Republicans should 'vote to release the Epstein files' because 'we have nothing to hide' and to move past what he called a 'Democrat Hoax.'

Even if the House approves a discharge petition to force consideration of the records, the measure would still need to clear the GOP-controlled Senate and receive the president’s signature — or the Justice Department could release the materials voluntarily at the president’s direction. How Republican senators will handle the request remains unclear.

MTG fallout

The Epstein fight is among several issues that have strained the relationship between Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Late last week Trump withdrew his endorsement of Greene, once one of his staunchest congressional allies. The two exchanged public blows over the weekend: Greene accused critics of contributing to a hostile environment after reporting a pipe-bomb threat at her construction company and alleged hoax pizza deliveries, warning that being labeled a 'traitor' creates a 'feeding frenzy' that could lead to violence.

Trump responded by downplaying her concerns, saying, 'I don't think her life is in danger. I don't think, frankly, I don't think anybody cares about her.'

Indiana redistricting showdown

Trump also publicly pressed Indiana Republicans after the state Senate leader said the chamber would not convene to consider mid-decade congressional map changes. One state senator criticized by Trump, Sen. Greg Goode, reported a swatting incident over the weekend. Trump said on Truth Social he would 'strongly' back challengers to lawmakers who oppose redrawing maps, and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun told X (formerly Twitter) he had reassured Trump of his commitment to pursue a redistricting effort.

Tucker Carlson and party boundaries

Another point of contention arose when Trump defended Tucker Carlson after criticism within the GOP over Carlson’s interview with Nick Fuentes, a far-right activist known for antisemitic views. The episode has prompted debate among Republicans about who they are willing to align with and where party lines should be drawn.

Bottom line on the GOP

Recent polling indicates Trump remains especially popular among MAGA-aligned Republicans, but the breadth and persistence of these intraparty conflicts are unusual and raise questions about how long the divisions will endure and whether they will spread to other policy fights or contests.

Democrats and young men: strategy without a single star

Following setbacks in 2024, Democrats have intensified efforts to rebuild support among young male voters — testing messaging, conducting research, elevating new voices and experimenting with outreach in different platforms. Party operatives say there is no single national figure poised to instantly win back this demographic.

Amanda Litman, founder and executive director of Run for Something, said Democrats lack an obvious leading personality to attract young men, noting that leaders such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are not perceived as that solution. Danielle Butterfield, executive director of Priorities USA, emphasized that many Democratic policies (for example, on health care and affordability) remain popular, but the party struggles to communicate those policies effectively where younger voters actually spend time online and in communities.

Other notable developments

• David Richardson resigned as acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency after roughly six months on the job.
• The U.S. signaled possible talks with Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro even as it ramped up military pressure, including a strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat and the deployment of a major aircraft carrier.
• A federal judge in Virginia ordered prosecutors to turn over grand jury materials in the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey, citing concerns that could affect the case.
• New primary filings and endorsements: NYC Council member Chi Ossé filed to challenge House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a primary; Sen. Bernie Sanders endorsed Randy Villegas in a House race in California.
• An NBC News poll found more than six in 10 registered voters — across party lines — believe 'extreme political rhetoric' was an important factor in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier this year.

These developments illustrate both the continuing dominance of Trump’s influence in Republican politics and the strains that can emerge when regional leaders, ideological allies and rank-and-file lawmakers disagree. For Democrats, the path back to young male voters likely requires better-targeted communications and sustained outreach rather than reliance on a single charismatic figure.