US Congressman Ro Khanna has called for the release of the full Jeffrey Epstein files in the House of Representatives, a move that has stirred bipartisan attention on one of America's most controversial cases.
Taking to social media over the weekend, the California Democrat challenged House Republicans to act, asking, 'Who are the rich & powerful being protected?'
Khanna, who posted the remarks on X, said he will introduce an amendment to force a floor vote, insisting that every member of Congress be put on record. The timing is striking not only because of the backlash that followed a recent Justice Department memo on the Epstein case, but because it comes as Khanna's name begins to circulate in conversations about the 2028 presidential race.
The Epstein Files Push
Last weekend, Khanna posted a direct challenge on X (formerly Twitter) saying, 'Why are the Epstein files still hidden? Who are the rich & powerful being protected?' However, on Monday evening, the House Rules Committee voted 5 to 7, ultimately blocking the full House from voting on Khanna's amendment. Hence, for now, there will be no further vote on the amendment as it was hoped by Khanna.
While speaking to MSNBC, Khanna said, "It's very disappointing that my amendment was blocked.....We won't stop until the files are released. This may have been our first attempt, but it's not going to be our last. We will keep fighting for transparency."
His demand followed a Justice Department memo released earlier this month, which stated there was no evidence of a so-called 'client list' used for blackmail, and reaffirmed that Epstein's death in prison was a suicide. That memo sparked backlash, particularly from Trump-aligned conservatives who have long believed the government is hiding information about high-profile individuals involved in Epstein's network.
By stepping into the controversy, Khanna is doing something unusual for a Democrat, which is aligning with a populist demand often used by Trump supporters to criticise elite impunity. And notably, it's not lost on observers that he's doing this as conversations around the 2028 election begin to stir.
Khanna is a Progressive with National Ambitions
Khanna, who represents California's 17th congressional district, covering much of Silicon Valley, is known for championing left-leaning policies, including Medicare for All, term limits for Supreme Court justices, and aggressive climate reform.
In recent years, Khanna has begun to broaden his national profile. Though he ruled out a 2024 presidential bid if Joe Biden sought re-election, his name continues to be floated for 2028 and beyond. Politico reported that Khanna has quietly retained consultants with experience in key early primary states like New Hampshire and Nevada, moves not usually made by politicians without broader ambitions.
According to reports, his allies also hinted that Khanna was considering a potential Senate run in California, but the presidential talk persists.
Is This a Calculated Move?
So, is the Epstein files campaign a genuine push for accountability or a calculated political move?
Khanna's track record suggests he sees no contradiction between principle and strategy. He has called for transparency across both Democratic and Republican administrations and frequently challenges his own party leadership on issues like defence spending and tech regulation. But the timing and visibility of this latest push will naturally raise eyebrows.
While many in his party have steered clear of the Epstein discourse, wary of its conspiratorial overtones and potential backlash, Khanna has leaned in. And by demanding a vote that would put all members of Congress on record, he's also forcing both parties to take a stand.
For now, according to his interviews and statements, it seems that the Congressman's focus is on transparency, not campaigning. But with the national spotlight on him and the 2028 chatter growing louder, many will be watching closely to see what comes next.
