Yes you are entirely correct. It is my thought that the entire Government shut-down was possibility due to delaying the "Epstein File release" and the possibility that it will show Trump's pedophilia behavior. Unfortunately, as the president, he cannot be convicted of his crimes - yet!!!
For several years while I worked on advocacy and policy, addressing human trafficking and trauma from abuse was part of my work. I watched this issue unfolding long before Epstein was a topic. It was obvious to me when Epstein became a topic, Dems made the right move (morally, for justice & politically), to demand the Epstein files.
In October 57% of GOP and more than 80% of Dems & Independents want the files released. Abuse of children is an issue that stirs strong feelings in people. It invades our sense of community and family safety. Mix it I with elites getting away with things, distrust of ‘the system’ and you have a very potent mix.
Trump knew it when he used it as a political weapon. Being who he is he made promises he didn’t intend to keep. Although it began as a tool to mostly attack Democrats, conspiracy theories are like wildfires. You can’t tell them where to go. Sometimes that means the arsonist gets caught in the flames.
People with no interest in conspiracies or politics were invested in helping end child sex trafficking. Laws were changing & there were ongoing efforts to raise awareness at workplaces, colleges, organizations and for the general public. There was a “truckers against trafficking” campaign. Non-profits offering safe shelter, advocacy and services were popping up.
To get around their sketchy reputation, in 2020 Qanon co-opted a nonprofit’s name to grow their following. Just as child sex trafficking was a deliberate choice so was using the name of a well respected advocacy organization on the internet & for activities. Their followers and contacts grew. In October of 2020, Dozing Donnie was asked about Qanon and ultimately gave them a big pat on the back. On Jan 6th, 2021 there were Qs in the Capitol ready for ‘the storm’ to begin when trump would unleash forces to end this evil. (Ashli Babbitt was one.)
But he never kept his promise. He can break a lot of promises but not ones where people are emotionally invested &/or think he’s hiding something. Not ones where more details keep coming out, drip drip drip drip. Not when young abused girls grow up to be tenacious women. Not when everyday Americans wanting wrongs righted see the opposite happening.
"I heard that these are people who love our country"
When a reporter partially summed up the conspiracy theory to him — that it revolves around a false narrative that Trump is leading a secret, government-led charge against pedophiles, cannibals and satanic worshippers — Trump responded: "Is that supposed to be a bad thing?"
"If I can help save the world from problems, I'm willing to do it," Trump said
ah, just THINK of what trump was doing in the room with those girls for hours. Bragging about how he got out of Vietnam. Trying to get them to sign up for trump university. Maybe praying with them. Playing Monopoly.
And if you go with that sorry, Mamdani won't let me sell you that bridge.
The petition signatures are now frozen because it reached the 218 threshold. There is reporting trump allies were really leaning on Mace and Boebert. We’ll see how the vote goes. Rep Bacon said if it came to the floor he didn’t sign the petition (because of who did?) but will vote for the motion. There seems to be some general unhappiness with how things are going in the House and not being able to conduct any business.
It could be very interesting. In October 57% of Republicans wanted the files released. (Over 80% of Dems and Independents) Now they have to either not vote or be on the record. After Tuesday’s elections they may be queasy.
Burn, baby, burn
Yes you are entirely correct. It is my thought that the entire Government shut-down was possibility due to delaying the "Epstein File release" and the possibility that it will show Trump's pedophilia behavior. Unfortunately, as the president, he cannot be convicted of his crimes - yet!!!
For several years while I worked on advocacy and policy, addressing human trafficking and trauma from abuse was part of my work. I watched this issue unfolding long before Epstein was a topic. It was obvious to me when Epstein became a topic, Dems made the right move (morally, for justice & politically), to demand the Epstein files.
In October 57% of GOP and more than 80% of Dems & Independents want the files released. Abuse of children is an issue that stirs strong feelings in people. It invades our sense of community and family safety. Mix it I with elites getting away with things, distrust of ‘the system’ and you have a very potent mix.
Trump knew it when he used it as a political weapon. Being who he is he made promises he didn’t intend to keep. Although it began as a tool to mostly attack Democrats, conspiracy theories are like wildfires. You can’t tell them where to go. Sometimes that means the arsonist gets caught in the flames.
People with no interest in conspiracies or politics were invested in helping end child sex trafficking. Laws were changing & there were ongoing efforts to raise awareness at workplaces, colleges, organizations and for the general public. There was a “truckers against trafficking” campaign. Non-profits offering safe shelter, advocacy and services were popping up.
To get around their sketchy reputation, in 2020 Qanon co-opted a nonprofit’s name to grow their following. Just as child sex trafficking was a deliberate choice so was using the name of a well respected advocacy organization on the internet & for activities. Their followers and contacts grew. In October of 2020, Dozing Donnie was asked about Qanon and ultimately gave them a big pat on the back. On Jan 6th, 2021 there were Qs in the Capitol ready for ‘the storm’ to begin when trump would unleash forces to end this evil. (Ashli Babbitt was one.)
But he never kept his promise. He can break a lot of promises but not ones where people are emotionally invested &/or think he’s hiding something. Not ones where more details keep coming out, drip drip drip drip. Not when young abused girls grow up to be tenacious women. Not when everyday Americans wanting wrongs righted see the opposite happening.
"I heard that these are people who love our country"
When a reporter partially summed up the conspiracy theory to him — that it revolves around a false narrative that Trump is leading a secret, government-led charge against pedophiles, cannibals and satanic worshippers — Trump responded: "Is that supposed to be a bad thing?"
"If I can help save the world from problems, I'm willing to do it," Trump said
https://www.npr.org/2020/08/19/904055593/trump-addressing-far-right-qanon-conspiracy-offers-praise-for-its-followers
"Sometimes . . . the arsonist gets caught in the flames." Yes!!
ah, just THINK of what trump was doing in the room with those girls for hours. Bragging about how he got out of Vietnam. Trying to get them to sign up for trump university. Maybe praying with them. Playing Monopoly.
And if you go with that sorry, Mamdani won't let me sell you that bridge.
Thanks guys, for keeping on this.
Thanks Steve I have a feeling Boebert and Mace will be bailing. Mace need Trumps endorsement in the event she runs for a governorship.
Who controls the Epstein Estate? I'm surprised trump and his goons haven't threatened them
Surely the Repubs will be able to convince one or two of their own to change their vote on the discharge petition.
The petition signatures are now frozen because it reached the 218 threshold. There is reporting trump allies were really leaning on Mace and Boebert. We’ll see how the vote goes. Rep Bacon said if it came to the floor he didn’t sign the petition (because of who did?) but will vote for the motion. There seems to be some general unhappiness with how things are going in the House and not being able to conduct any business.
Oh--I didn't realize. It's good news! Thanks, Ann, for letting me know!
It could be very interesting. In October 57% of Republicans wanted the files released. (Over 80% of Dems and Independents) Now they have to either not vote or be on the record. After Tuesday’s elections they may be queasy.
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/11/12/congress/house-epstein-vote-gop-defections-00649624