patrick.net

Based on recent reports and statements, here's who is blocking or undermining the effort:

1. House Republican Leadership, Led by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA)
Johnson has explicitly opposed the discharge petition, calling it "irrelevant and unnecessary" and urging Republicans not to sign it during closed-door meetings. He argues that the House Oversight Committee's ongoing investigation (which released ~33,000 pages of documents in September 2025) is sufficient, and he pushed a symbolic, non-binding resolution (passed 212-208) to continue the probe instead of forcing a full release. Johnson has dismissed Massie's push as "meaningless" and "inartfully drafted," effectively stalling the petition by withholding floor time and pressuring GOP members. Some initial Republican supporters (e.g., Rep. Victoria Spartz) have withdrawn under this pressure.

2. The Trump Administration and White House
The White House has been actively pressuring Republican lawmakers not to sign the petition, viewing it as a "hostile act" toward the administration. President Trump has dismissed the Epstein files as "irrelevant" and a "Democrat hoax," and the administration initially promised releases but backtracked, citing the Oversight probe as adequate. Trump allies have argued that the DOJ has provided "everything requested," despite survivors and Massie claiming the released files are incomplete or previously public. This has eroded some GOP support, with the administration framing the push as politicized.

3. Republican Donors and External Influences
Massie has accused major Republican donors (e.g., those funding the NRCC, RNC, and Trump's campaign) of blocking the release, suggesting financial pressure on lawmakers. Some X posts speculate on AIPAC or other lobbying groups influencing Republicans, but this lacks mainstream verification and appears tied to Massie's anti-interventionist stance. The Oversight Committee's partial releases (e.g., 33,295 pages in September 2025) are seen by critics as a donor-influenced "placebo" to avoid full transparency.

Current Status
The petition is close to succeeding (216/218 signatures as of September 9, 2025), potentially forcing a vote by late September, especially with expected Democratic wins in special elections. If passed, it would mandate full DOJ release within 30 days, but a Trump veto is possible. In the Senate, a similar push by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to force release failed (tabled by Republicans, though Sens. Rand Paul and Josh Hawley voted in favor).
Massie and survivors argue the opposition protects "powerful men," while critics like Johnson claim it's unnecessary due to ongoing probes. The effort highlights bipartisan tensions over transparency.