Leaked memo reveals new GOP strategy ahead of Epstein files release: CNN
Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump. (Shutterstock)

CNN host Erin Burnett reported Republicans are drawing up talking points to respond to the looming release of all remaining evidence pertaining to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

“We've obtained a leaked Republican memo that has the talking points on the Epstein files that I guess they're supposed to use when they're talking about it,” Burnett said, adding that the memo makes clear “that Republicans are supposed to deflect attention away from any mentions of Trump and instead focus on Democrats’ handling of the Epstein probe.”

The memo, from “Oversight Committee Republican Staff” accuses Democrats of “beclowning themselves” by sensationalizing elements of the report indicating President Donald Trump’s close personal relationship with the convicted sex trafficker.

Speaking with U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), who is the top Democrat on the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Burnett pointed out that the memo instructs Republicans to “accuse oversight Democrats of misrepresenting witness testimony” and “selectively leaking cherry-picked documents and manipulating emails and images to fabricate yet another politically motivated hoax.”

“I mean, these are incredibly serious things, congressman. I mean, yes, they're talking points, but they're saying that you manipulated emails and images. These are very serious accusations,” Burnett told Garcia.

“I wish the Republicans put [the] energy they put into trying to conceal and hide and cover up … that they put into demanding the president release all the files,” Garcia responded. “The reality is, the president could end this all tomorrow — tonight — by releasing every single file.”

“[T]hey have tried everything they can to stop or slow this investigation down. And it’s unfortunate that now they are trying to deflect from the president — who his own chief of staff said … he's in the files. So give me a break. Let's get to the truth. Let's release the files and do so immediately.”

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