About this episode
Today's guest is Rep. Thomas Massie (R–Ky.). He joins Zach Weissmueller to discuss why he coauthored the Epstein Files Transparency Act, what motivated him to put his political career at risk, and why he believes the Justice Department (DOJ) has engaged in a long-running cover-up to protect powerful figures connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
Massie walks through what he saw while reviewing the unredacted files at the DOJ, including disputed redactions, internal FBI documents, and evidence suggesting that senior officials misrepresented whether Epstein had coconspirators. Massie also makes the case for why Attorney General Pam Bondi may be guilty of criminal negligence in her handling of this investigation. The interview explores internal Republican divisions over the case, why Massie has called for the resignation of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and how the Epstein case has reshaped his understanding of power in Washington, D.C. Massie argues that this scandal is larger than Watergate, spans four administrations, and raises a defining moral test for politicians, media figures, and voters alike.
The Reason Interview with Nick Gillespie goes deep with the artists, entrepreneurs, and politicians who are defining the 21st century in terms of individual freedom and autonomy.
0:00—Why Massie is risking his political career over Epstein files
3:53—Discoveries from the unredacted files
8:22—Are DOJ redactions in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act?
12:32—Examining the evidence of an Epstein client list
15:13—Why Howard Lutnick should resign
17:57—The risk in releasing names and guilt by association
21:49—Why the Epstein conspiracy is bigger than Watergate
23:30—The future of the Republican Party
Transcript
This is an AI-generated, AI-edited transcript. Check all quotes against the audio for accuracy.
Zach Weissmueller: Congressman Thomas Massie, thank you for coming on The Reason Interview.
Thomas Massie: Well, great to be on. Thanks for having me.
Let's start by talking about the Epstein files. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that you put your political career on the line to get these out with the Epstein Files Transparency Act you co-authored with Rep. Ro Khanna (D–Calif.). You've been under relentless attack from President Donald Trump ever since, and you're facing a serious primary challenge with a lot of financial backing because of it.
Did you expect this might happen? And if so, why did you decide this issue was important enough that it would be worth the cost?
Well, I'm glad you set it up that way because I always find it laughable when people s
