Many Republican Party members believe the GOP has "declared war on the president" with its vote on the Jeffrey Epstein bill, according to a report published Monday.
A 427-1 vote to release Epstein's files passed earlier this month, with Donald Trump confirming he would sign a bill to release the files should it reach his desk. The Senate voted unanimously to pass the bill, which has since been signed by the president.
But a Republican representative believes the vote was a loyalty test within the Republican Party masterminded by Thomas Massie. Kentucky congressman Massie had pushed for a vote on the Epstein files, heading up a bipartisan group, according to Politico.
Representative Don Bacon sympathized with House Speaker Mike Johnson, saying he "tries his best" to keep the party together. But the Epstein vote has tested the GOP, and Bacon said the discharge petition for the files was an act that essentially "declared war on the president."
He said, "They made it pretty clear that if you get on the discharge petition, you’ve declared war on the president, in so many words." Despite being supportive of Johnson, Bacon has signed several discharge petitions of his own, including one to sanction Russia and aid Ukraine.
Former Trump allies like Marjorie Taylor Greene have distanced themselves from the president in recent weeks, with the prominent MAGA figure defecting from Trump's good books — and ultimately leaving Congress — after backing the release of the Epstein files so publicly.
Further resignations could be on the cards too as an insider shares that some representatives are sick of being treated "like garbage." Raw Story previously reported some representatives in the House were fed up of Johnson's attitude.
“This entire White House team has treated ALL members like garbage. ALL," said one senior House Republican. "And Mike Johnson has let it happen because he wanted it to happen. That is the sentiment of nearly all — appropriators, authorizers, hawks, doves, rank and file.
"The arrogance of this White House team is off putting to members who are run roughshod and threatened. They don’t even allow little wins like announcing small grants or even responding from agencies. Not even the high profile, the regular rank and file random members are more upset than ever. Members know they are going into the minority after the midterms."
