The controversy regarding releasing the Epstein files could divide Republican candidates for Arizona governor, Rep. Andy Biggs and Karrin Taylor Robson.

It began in early July, when the Department of Justice released a memo concluding that no Epstein "client list" existed, and that there was not sufficient evidence to charge third parties. As a result, most Americans concluded that a cover-up had taken place, according to a previous YouGov poll.

Republicans remain fractured over whether to vote to release the Epstein files, and the issue threatens to follow members home during the August recess.

So even if Democrats wanted to release the Epstein Files in their entirety during Biden’s presidency, it’s not clear that a court would have granted their request. Trump is now encountering the same issue — meaning that the firestorm around him might not die down anytime soon.

But after a handful of Republicans temporarily stalled the $9 billion rescissions package last week over the Epstein issue, Speaker Mike Johnson does not appear likely to entertain further consideration of the matter before setting the House free on a five-week recess that stretches past Labor Day.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi weighed in on the fallout around the Trump administration's Epstein memo, calling it a "distraction."

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Wednesday said the House will take “appropriate action” when it returns to Washington in the fall if the Trump administration does not release the files pertaining

Trump requested that Epstein grand jury files be unsealed. Lawmakers and experts weigh in on impact, scope and transparency.