Republicans don’t openly express every criticism they have of Donald Trump in fear of alienating him and losing their seats in Congress. Nevertheless, most Republicans are acutely aware of the damage his decisions and scandals have inflicted on America, the party’s reputation and on winning elections.
These concerns can accumulate and reach a tipping point that fractures one of the most impervious political tribes in American history. Republicans, including MAGAs, seemed to have reached that point with Trump’s cover-up of the Epstein files which seems to be not only about the scandal itself, but rather a kindling of deeper frustrations about Trump’s performance, and provides both a moral and justifiable basis for those seeking to challenge Trump’s dominance within the GOP.
GOP frustrations became evident when gang of Trump allies slammed him when the Justice Department announced that it was unnecessary to release any more information about the Epstein case. Trump’s retort was “I don’t want their support anymore!”
Under pressure from ubiquitous press coverage, Trump told Attorney General Bondi to ask the court for permission to release pertinent [emphasis added] grand-jury testimony in the Epstein case. The word “pertinent” would give Trump and Bondi plenty of wiggle room to decide what will and won’t be released.
Knowing Trump, it’s highly unlikely that the released information will appease disgruntled Republicans. Indeed, around a thousand FBI employees were ordered to sift through thousands of pages of the Epstein files and flag any mentions of President Trump, which Bondi is likely to redact.
All this will drag on for months, during which Republicans will become more enraged, and could serve as a fresh catalyst for unexpressed criticisms of Trump to take the stage. Perhaps the party’s moral compass and a priority of country over fear of Trump’s retaliation will emerge; although given the history of Republican toadyism towards Trump, that might be a stretch. Nevertheless, the scandal does provide an opportunity and well-founded reason for those seeking to challenge Trump’s dominance within the GOP.
What a bonus it would be if the Epstein scandal begets the emergence of consciences, morality and integrity in the Republican party!
