At least two House Republicans who have been at the forefront of transparency efforts around the Jeffrey Epstein files are planning to display their support for the late billionaire's accusers during Trump's State of the Union, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: Trump isn't expected to touch on Epstein during the address, but Democrats and a couple of Republicans are trying to ensure the issue looms large Tuesday night anyway.
- Scores of Democrats have announced plans to bring Epstein accusers — or their family members, in some cases — as guests to the speech.
- They include House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Judiciary Committee ranking member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and House Oversight Committee ranking member Robert Garcia (D-Calif.).
Driving the news: Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who have formed an unlikely partnership around the Epstein issue, plan to sit together on the Democratic side of the aisle, a source familiar with their plans told Axios.
- The source told Axios the rare show of bipartisan unity will be explicitly "to emphasize the need for justice for the Epstein class."
- Members often sit along the center aisle of the House chamber during State of the Union addresses to be captured on camera as the president enters and leaves.
What we're hearing: Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who is similarly outspoken on the Epstein issue, is planning her own display of defiance, she told Axios.
Axios' Kate Santaliz contributed reporting for this story.
Temp 36°
Dew 18°
Humid 47%
Rain 2%Partly sunny
