Lawmakers Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie Demand Full Transparency, Question Maxwell Pardon, and Challenge Speaker Johnson’s Stance
Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday morning with moderator Kristen Welker, advocating for the immediate and full release of all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The lawmakers, who have teamed up to introduce legislation aimed at compelling this disclosure, voiced strong opinions on the ongoing controversy, including the possibility of a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell and the political ramifications for House Republicans.
During the interview, both Congressmen were pressed on the potential pardon or commutation of Ghislaine Maxwell’s 20-year sentence.
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Rep. Khanna unequivocally stated, “No, I don’t,” expressing concern over Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s meeting with Maxwell. While agreeing with the need for Maxwell to testify, Khanna highlighted her history of perjury, emphasizing the necessity for independent evidence and the release of files.
Rep. Massie, when asked about a Maxwell pardon, deferred to the President but added, “whatever they need to do to compel that testimony, as long as it’s truthful, I would be in favor of.”
A key focus of the discussion was the bipartisan bill introduced by Khanna and Massie, which seeks to force a House vote on the Epstein files. Both expressed confidence in its passage.
“It will pass,” stated Rep. Khanna.
Rep. Massie echoed this sentiment, adding, “I hope it does… this is going to hurt Republicans in the midterms” if accountability for the “rich and powerful” is not delivered. Massie further challenged Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the bill to a vote without requiring a discharge petition.
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When questioned by Welker about the fairness of releasing files that could be devastating to individuals not charged, Rep. Khanna emphasized the victims’ desire for closure and healing. He argued that the Justice Department’s past actions in the Epstein case have eroded public trust, and a full, clean release is necessary to address concerns that “the rich and the powerful have been not held accountable, that they have a different set of rules.”
Rep. Massie also pushed back against Speaker Johnson’s accusation that his criticisms were intended to inflict political pain.
“I don’t know why it should be politically painful to be transparent. Is the pain he’s talking about that somebody in our party will be embarrassed by those files?” said Massie. “Then that’s not a good excuse. Is the pain he’s talking about that the legislators, when they vote, have to pick between protecting the embarrassment of the rich and powerful versus getting justice for victims? I don’t really understand what he means by that. Why is it painful for Mike Johnson to call a vote on this? And, you know, the American people deserve this regardless of what the political ramifications are for the speaker.”
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The interview also touched on the Democratic Party’s messaging, with Welker asking if the focus on Epstein could overshadow “pocketbook issues” ahead of the midterms. Rep. Khanna countered that the issue of trust in government, which the Epstein files embody, is fundamental.
He asserted that without public trust, “you can’t do anything constructive with government,” and presented the bill as an opportunity for reform and transparency.
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