Billionaire-Backed Ads Target Congressman Behind Epstein Files Push Via “Epstein Files Transparency Act”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Thomas Massie (R–KY) has intensified his push for the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would force the Justice Department to release thousands of unclassified records tied to Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. But as the bill gains momentum in Congress, Massie says he has come under heavy fire from deep-pocketed opponents.

According to Massie, billionaire donors John Paulson, Paul Singer, and Miriam Adelson are among those funding a $2 million advertising blitz against him in Kentucky. The campaign is not explicitly tied to the Epstein issue, but Massie has suggested the effort is connected to his role as one of the loudest voices in Congress demanding full disclosure of Epstein-related files.

Importantly, Massie has not presented evidence that these donors are directly trying to suppress the release of the documents themselves. Instead, he argues that the push to remove him from office conveniently coincides with his efforts to force transparency around Epstein’s network and the political and financial figures connected to it.

The bipartisan bill, co-sponsored with Rep. Ro Khanna (D–CA), would compel the Attorney General to publish all unclassified records related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days of passage. That includes flight logs, plea deals, immunity agreements, investigative communications, and even documentation surrounding Epstein’s death. The legislation specifically forbids withholding or redacting documents for reasons of embarrassment or reputational harm.

Massie and Khanna are pursuing a discharge petition – a rarely successful maneuver that bypasses House leadership – to bring the bill to a floor vote. With 215 signatures as of early September, they are just shy of the 218 needed. All House Democrats are on board, while only a handful of Republicans have broken ranks to support it.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders have opposed the measure, saying the Department of Justice and oversight committees have already released sufficient documents. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse disagree, pressing lawmakers to support the bill and even threatening to release their own list of Epstein associates if Congress fails to act.

Massie’s challenge now is twofold: winning over the last few signatures to force a vote on the bill, while defending his seat against an expensive ad campaign. Whether the opposition is truly linked to his Epstein push or simply part of broader political maneuvering remains a matter of speculation – one Massie himself is determined to highlight.

Overview of the Epstein Files Transparency Act

• Massie, with Khanna, introduced the legislation and is utilizing a discharge petition to force a floor vote in the House if they secure 218 signatures – enough to bypass leadership resistance.

Core Requirements

Once enacted, the bill would require the Attorney General, within 30 days, to make publicly available all unclassified materials related to Jeffrey Epstein and his network, in a searchable, downloadable format. This includes documents from the DOJ, FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices.

“Must-Release” Content Categories

Specifically, the Act mandates disclosure of:

1. Records related to Epstein – investigations, prosecutions, custody.
2. Records related to Ghislaine Maxwell.
3. Flight logs, travel records, manifests, and immigration documents tied to Epstein’s transportation assets.
4. Names of individuals (including officials) linked to Epstein’s criminal activity, settlements, plea deals, or investigations.
5. Entities (corporate, nonprofit, academic, government) with ties to Epstein’s financial or trafficking network.
6. Immunity agreements, non-prosecution or plea bargains, and sealed settlements involving Epstein or his associates.
7. Internal DOJ communications – emails, memos, notes – about decisions regarding investigations or charging.
8. Communications or records concerning the destruction, alteration, or concealment of files, recordings, or data related to the case.
9. Documentation around Epstein’s detention or death – including incident reports, interviews, medical examiner files, autopsy reports, and death-circumstance records.

Limiting Redaction Criteria

Importantly, the bill explicitly prohibits withholding or redaction based on reasons like embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity – even if pertaining to high-profile public figures or foreign dignitaries.

Current Status & Political Roadmap

• Discharge Petition Momentum: As of early September 2025, Massie had 215 signatures – just a few shy of the 218 needed. All 212 House Democrats are expected to sign, while only a handful of Republicans (including Boebert, Greene, and Mace) have joined.
• Leadership Pushback: House Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders argue the effort is redundant due to recent partial document releases by the oversight committee. They describe the discharge petition as unnecessary and a partisan gambit.
• Survivor Advocacy: Epstein survivors have vocally supported the bill, even stating they would release their own list of Epstein associates if the government doesn’t comply – further intensifying public pressure.

Summary Table