Republican Divisions Over Epstein Files and Their Political Consequences

A group of Republican lawmakers who previously opposed President Donald Trump over the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein’s files are likely facing another political setback in South Carolina’s gubernatorial primary. Representative Nancy Mace, a vocal advocate for releasing the Epstein files, is trailing in a competitive GOP primary after Trump endorsed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette.

Mace believes that her push for greater transparency in the Epstein case influenced Trump’s decision to endorse Evette. The President has not publicly commented on any revenge motives. Newsweek has contacted Mace’s campaign and the White House for their statements.

The sole reason I didn’t get the endorsement is my vote to release the Epstein files, and I’m comfortable with that. I’ve worked hard to expose pedophiles, child rapists, and sex trafficking in my state, and will persist regardless of the election outcome, Mace told Politico.

Trump’s backing has reshaped the race, with Evette taking the lead in recent polls and betting markets.

Pam Evette is a friend, fighter, and WINNER, and will be a terrific Governor of South Carolina. Pam has my Complete and Total Endorsement—SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Trump wrote last week.

Despite Evette’s rise, Mace downplayed the political impact of Trump’s endorsement, telling Fox News Digital it had only limited effect on polling figures. Nevertheless, her comments highlight ongoing tensions within the Republican Party regarding the Epstein files—an issue that momentarily put Trump at odds with some of his Congressional allies.

Tensions Over Epstein Files Within the GOP

The bipartisan effort to release government records connected to Jeffrey Epstein unexpectedly created friction between Trump and some Republicans who demanded more transparency.

Though Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, critics felt the disclosures were incomplete and slow. This led to rare public disputes between Trump and his party members.

At times, Trump dismissed the controversy as a “hoax” fueled by political opponents, while transparency advocates pushed for more disclosures. The matter never grew into a large rebellion against Trump but highlighted divisions within the GOP and raised questions about lawmakers’ willingness to challenge the president on sensitive issues for their voters.

As primary campaigns heat up ahead of the upcoming elections, some Republicans believe the fallout from these debates continues to influence political contests, including South Carolina’s gubernatorial race.

Key Figures in the Dispute

Thomas Massie: Kentucky Representative Massie, alongside Democrat Ro Khanna, led the bipartisan drive to force a House vote on Epstein files’ release. Massie used a discharge petition to bypass GOP leadership despite White House warnings labeling it a “hostile act.” In May, Massie lost his reelection bid to Ed Gallrein, who had Trump’s endorsement. Massie attributed his loss to his perceived disloyalty to Trump and efforts to release the Epstein files.

The biggest crime I committed against the swamp was showing unity from both sides to release the Epstein files, Massie told NBC’s Meet the Press.

Nancy Mace: Mace was one of the four Republicans supporting Massie’s petition and has clashed with administration officials over the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein case.

If not voting to release the Epstein files cost me an endorsement, I’m okay with paying that price, Mace said on CNN.

Marjorie Taylor Greene: Once a strong Trump supporter, Greene became critical, signing Massie’s petition. She resigned after Trump threatened to endorse her primary challenger, citing the Epstein files as central to their public fallout.

It all came down to the Epstein files, Greene told CNN.

Lauren Boebert: Colorado Representative Boebert, also a petition signatory, faced Trump’s ire and threats of opposition in her reelection bid. Boebert, running unopposed in her primary, maintains support for Trump while emphasizing her push for full transparency regarding Epstein files.

I am going to ensure President Donald Trump keeps his promises, Boebert told CBS News.