Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) claimed Sunday that President Donald Trump is losing support from his core MAGA base due to his handling of records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Khanna said, “You know why Trump is losing his MAGA base on this? He ran saying, ‘There’s a corrupt governing elite that has shafted you’… he’s forgotten those forgotten Americans.” Khanna argued that the lack of transparency on the Epstein files contradicts Trump’s populist message.
Khanna, along with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), has led a bipartisan effort to release Epstein-related documents. Their discharge petition to force a vote passed the required signature threshold this week, setting up a House vote. The petition received support from every Democrat and four Republicans, with Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) becoming the final signer shortly after being sworn in.
Khanna also urged President Trump to meet with survivors of Epstein’s abuse and back full disclosure of related records. While Khanna did not accuse Trump of direct involvement, he emphasized the need for accountability from members of the elite who were connected to Epstein and his network.
The Trump administration and its allies have faced renewed pressure from across the political spectrum to declassify files related to Epstein’s associates and operations. Critics argue that both parties have failed to fully investigate and prosecute figures tied to the disgraced financier.
The bipartisan push to release the documents adds new urgency to the controversy, and the upcoming House vote is expected to test lawmakers’ willingness to expose figures linked to Epstein, regardless of political affiliation.
