Boebert and Mace Stand Firm on Epstein Document Petition Despite Trump’s Pressure

Reps. Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace have opted not to retract their support for a congressional initiative aimed at compelling the government to disclose documents related to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, even amidst President Trump’s reported attempts to intervene.

On Tuesday, Trump reached out to Boebert (R-Colo.) and also attempted to connect with Mace (R-S.C.) before Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) was sworn in. Grijalva plans to become the 218th cosigner of a petition that would prompt a full House vote on the release of the Epstein files, as indicated by a recent report.

Boebert and Mace, alongside Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), are currently the only Republicans backing this discharge petition, which has been signed by every House Democrat.

On Wednesday, Boebert attended a meeting at the White House with Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to discuss additional Justice Department files concerning Epstein.

Both lawmakers kept their signatures on the petition, which Grijalva endorsed later that day.

It’s important to note that once the number of signatures reaches 218, lawmakers can’t withdraw their names.

Boebert expressed her appreciation for the White House meeting on social media, stating, “Together, we remain committed to ensuring transparency for the American people.”

She added that there was “no pressure” from the White House regarding her signature on the petition.

Boebert, on a personal note, mentioned, “I don’t feel left out at all. President Trump is a great person. I support him.”

Mace shared that her decision to support the petition was “deeply personal,” as she identifies as a “survivor of sexual and domestic violence.” She emphasized solidarity with other survivors, stating, “When the world seems against you…your pain is my pain.”

Mace concluded her thoughts with a heartfelt message: “God bless all those who didn’t have a fighting chance. Your vote for Epstein will be for your benefit.”

White House press secretary Caroline Levitt critiqued Trump’s outreach to women in Congress, questioning whether it truly reflects transparency. “Isn’t it showing transparency that members of the Trump administration are briefing members of Congress whenever they want?” she asked reporters.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) described the expulsion petition as “reckless” and “debatable,” arguing it fails to adequately protect the identities of abuse victims. He contended that the House is already investigating and releasing relevant files on Epstein.

Johnson noted that the petition would be brought forth for a House vote next week. He also mentioned that Republicans had introduced a separate discharge petition, led by Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), concerning government funding, which Democrats opposed.

“We should ask every Democrat why they didn’t tackle this during the Biden administration,” he remarked. “And if they wanted transparency, why did they vote down the unanimous consent for the discharge petition?”

“I can’t answer that, but they ought to,” he added.