The Kentucky Republican, a frequent critic of President Trump, teamed with a Democrat in a maneuver that could force G.O.P. leaders to hold a vote on the matter within weeks.

In a mind-bending Truth Social post, Trump cast anyone still interested in the Epstein scandal — which he promoted — out of the MAGA movement.

BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: Speaker Mike Johnson says he supports Ghislaine Maxwell testifying to Congress and demands the DOJ release everything they have on Epstein: "I’m for transparency. We should put everything out there and let the people decide. Pam Bondi needs to come forward… pic.twitter.com/diB5cDQmAk

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) said on Tuesday that former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) should lead a hypothetical special counsel investigation into Jefferey Epstein. “We deserve the truth about the Epstein Files.

The rhetoric marks a dramatic escalation for the Republican president, who has broken with some of his most loyal backers in the past, but never with such fervor.

During a public appearance in the White House, President Trump on Wednesday addressed the "Epstein hoax" he says is being pushed by Democrats.

Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas tells CNN’s Laura Coates that Attorney General Pam Bondi should testify before Congress about the Jeffrey Epstein files. Crockett also addressed redistricting in Texas and responded to President Donald Trump’s comments about her IQ.