Thursday, November 13, 2025

Democrats drop an Epstein-sized bomb on the House

The House of Representatives had not even gaveled in when Democrats on the House Oversight Committee dropped the ultimate nuclear weapon on Republicans: emails from Jeffrey Epstein that suggested that Donald Trump "knew about the girls" he procured. 

The late convicted sex offender mentioned the president in emails to his partner in procuring and trafficking young girls Ghislaine Maxwell and journalist Michael Wolff. And there's more where that came from.

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives swore in Adelita Grijalva to fill her father's seat in Arizona after she won her special election almost six months ago after House Speaker Mike Johnson refused to do so. She quickly signed the discharge petition to force a vote on the Epstein files.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said that the House will hold a vote on the files next week, despite his opposition. 

Leading the Democrats' efforts in the Oversight Committee is Robert Garcia. In many ways, Garcia is the perfect contrast to Trump: Openly gay, an immigrant and Latino, Democrats picked him to lead the Oversight Committee to replace the late Rep. Gerry Connolly. As a two-term Democrat, he's offered a fresh contrast to the geriatric leadership of his party.

Inside Washington chatted with Garcia off the floor for a bit along with some of other reporters. 

"My barber, who is very not political," he told Inside Washington, "this is what he talks to me about. And he actually is someone that had positive things to say about Donald Trump."

Garcia said his barber "feels betrayed by this."

"I think the American public is interested, but more importantly, this goes directly to Trump's corruption," he said.

If Democrats win the majority, Garcia could lead the efforts on Epstein if the White House on Epstein continues to stonewall. But Garcia said they are laying the groundwork now.

"We're not waiting to get to the majority, we're doing the work now, so when we get to the majority, work will just continue," he said.

Garcia also praised the three Republican women who joined the discharge petition: Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Nancy Mace of South Carolina. 

"I'm glad that they held and that they are obviously have a principal position on the Epstein files," he said. "It's unfortunate that not more Republicans were actually on the initial discharge. But I know in talking to many of them, that many of them are going to vote 'yes.'" 

Many in Washington wondered if Mace, who is running for governor, would fold given the need to win Trump's endorsement. But Mace put out a lengthy statement on X that she reportedly sent to Trump. And Mace shows no signs of backing down. 

“No one has threatened me, the president hasn't threatened me, and the president didn't ask me get off the discharge petition, ” Mace told Inside Washington exclusively just off the House floor.  

Read more here:

By Eric Garcia

Reading list

Daily briefing

House votes to end longest government shutdown in US history

The vote comes after the government was shut down for almost 43 days with six Democrats joining Republicans, despite the fact that it does not include an extension of health care tax credits Democrats want, Eric Garcia reports.

Don’t forget to complete your registration

You haven’t completed your registration with The Independent. It’s free, quick, and helps support our journalism while tailoring your experience.

Register now to enjoy benefits including access to limited Premium articles, The Independent app, more than 20 newsletters and commenting on independent.co.uk.

Complete your registration today to unlock access.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

[I] know how dirty [D]onald is.

Jeffrey Epstein in an email released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.

What else you need to know

Join the conversation and follow us