GOP Splits Over Epstein Files: Paul and Hawley Say “Release Them All”

In a stunning break from party lines, Senators Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) voted to release all unclassified Jeffrey Epstein files—shocking Senate Republicans and putting GOP leadership on edge. The amendment, led by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, was ultimately blocked, but the rebellion highlights growing fractures in the party.

Hawley defended his vote as a matter of principle: “It’s a vote on whether to release the Epstein files or not… Trump said we should release them, and I agree.” Paul is pushing a similar effort in the House alongside Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), calling for Attorney General Pam Bondi to make the records public.

Schumer framed the amendment as a moral test for Republicans. “If you vote no, you’re telling the American people they don’t deserve to see the Epstein files—plain and simple,” he said.

Even some GOP senators admitted they favored transparency but ultimately sided with leadership for procedural reasons. The vote lays bare the tension between party loyalty and voter demands for accountability, especially from Trump’s base.

The fight over Epstein’s documents isn’t over—and the political fallout could echo well into the next election cycle.