Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Texas Democrat, delivered sharp criticism of her Republican colleagues during a Saturday afternoon MSNBC interview, accusing them of showing loyalty to what she called a “wannabe Hitler” in reference to President Donald Trump.
The remarks came amid growing controversy over the Trump administration’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files.
Newsweek reached out to the White House via email on Sunday for comment.
Why It Matters
Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting further sex trafficking charges.
The disgraced financier had well-documented connections to powerful figures, and his death has long prompted numerous conspiracy theories, particularly about a “client list” and the way in which he died. From lawmakers and attorneys to concerned voters, many say that full transparency is essential to restoring public trust and bringing clarity to one of the most high-profile criminal investigations in recent memory.
The controversy has created fractures within Trump’s own Make America Great Again (MAGA) base while highlighting broader questions about government transparency and executive accountability.
What To Know
During her Saturday MSNBC appearance on Alex Witt Reports, Crockett addressed Trump’s reversal on releasing Epstein files after initially pledging transparency.
The lawmaker predicted her Republican colleagues would avoid taking decisive action on the matter, noting that several GOP lawmakers “just skipped a previous vote this week.” Crockett suggested Republicans are deliberately protecting Trump from potentially damaging revelations because “they understand that it is most likely problematic for him as well as the MAGA brand.”
The Texas Democrat characterized Republican loyalty to Trump in stark terms, saying lawmakers want to “pledge their loyalty” to someone she described as a “wannabe Hitler.” She expressed skepticism that Republicans would support any measures “that may harm them or their fearless leader.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s frustration with critics became evident in his Saturday Truth Social post, where he announced instructing the DOJ to release grand jury testimony related to Epstein. However, he simultaneously dismissed demands for broader transparency, writing that “nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics making the request.”
The administration’s handling has drawn criticism across party lines. Attorney General Pam Bondi previously claimed an Epstein client list was on her desk but now says no such list exists. The DOJ subsequently requested unsealing of grand jury transcripts related to Epstein and convicted British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, though critics argue this represents only a fraction of available evidence.
Scrutiny intensified following a Wall Street Journal report about a birthday letter from Trump to Epstein containing suggestive content. Trump has since sued the newspaper and found Rupert Murdoch, seeking at least $10 billion in damages.
What People Are Saying
Rep. Jasmine Crockett during a Saturday MSNBC interview: “They want to show that they’re loyal to this, you know, I don’t even know what to call him,” she continued. “I’ve called him so many things, but this wannabe Hitler for sure. They want to pledge their loyalty to him, and they know that he does not want this released.”
She continued: “I think they also are concerned about the damage that it may do. If he’s trying to hide it, they understand that it is most likely problematic for him as well as the MAGA brand, as well the Republicans. So, I don’t anticipate that they will be on board for doing anything that may harm them or their fearless leader.”
President Donald Trump called out the Wall Street Journal over its report on Friday, writing on Truth Social: “If there was a ‘smoking gun’ on Epstein, why didn’t the Dems, who controlled the ‘files’ for four years, and had [then Attorney General Merrick] Garland and [former FBI Director James] Comey in charge, use it? BECAUSE THEY HAD NOTHING!!!”
MAGA loyalist Laura Loomer said during a livestream last week: “Pam Bondi is a coward. She didn’t even sign her name to the memo. This isn’t transparency—it’s a cover-up.”
Rep. Ralph Norman, a South Carolina Republican, told CNN: “I think that the American people need to see what’s in there, and that’s not hard to understand. Across the board, government’s supposed to work for us. If there’s nothing there, show the blank sheet.”
FBI Director Kash Patel on X last week: “The conspiracy theories just aren’t true, never have been. It’s an honor to serve the President of the United States @realDonaldTrump — and I’ll continue to do so for as long as he calls on me.”
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) arrives for the House Democratic leadership elections at the U.S. Capitol Nov. 19, 2024. | Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images/Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images
What Happens Next
The release of grand jury information is expected to take weeks or possibly months, as legal teams review transcripts to determine what can be safely disclosed without exposing victims or sensitive details.
Congressional Democrats are expected to continue pressing for comprehensive document release, though Crockett expressed skepticism about Republican cooperation.
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