Federal authorities led by Trump's Department of Justice decline to disclose the identities of Epstein's wealthy associates who pocketed $350,000 from the billionaire prior to his arrest.

In the ongoing saga surrounding the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, a new development has emerged that could shed light on the controversial figure's dealings. The focus is on a bill sponsored by Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, which aims to compel the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release thousands of pages of documents related to the Epstein case.

The bill, which has garnered support from Republican Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie, is gaining momentum. As of now, 214 House members, including four Republicans, have signed the petition, just four votes away from the 218-threshold needed to pass the measure.

Rep. Thomas Massie has been particularly active in pushing for the release of these documents. He has been spearheading a discharge petition that, if successful, would force a vote on the Khanna bill within 30 days.

The call for transparency comes amidst renewed interest in the Epstein case, following the revelation that President Donald Trump was an FBI informant in relation to the case. House Speaker Mike Johnson made this disclosure, although no details have been provided about when Trump talked to the FBI or what they might have discussed.

Trump's relationship with Epstein has been well-documented. In fact, photos from 2000 show Trump and then-girlfriend Melania attending a party at Mar-a-Lago with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate who is currently awaiting trial.

Epstein's death in August 2019, while awaiting trial, added to the intrigue surrounding the case. Two uncharged third parties who received six-figure payments from Epstein before his arrest and were granted protection in non-prosecution agreements are Ghislaine Maxwell and Sarah Kellen.

Both Greene and Massie have promised to read the names on the so-called Epstein list on the House floor, given that their official speech as lawmakers is constitutionally-insulated from defamation lawsuits.

Since Trump retook the White House in January, his political base has been demanding answers and the release of the criminal investigation files into Epstein. Trump, however, has dismissed the Epstein scandal as a 'Democrat hoax' at the White House.

As the push for transparency continues, the release of these Epstein files could potentially provide new insights into the case and the people involved. The public will be closely watching the developments in this ongoing saga.

Federal authorities led by Trump's Department of Justice decline to disclose the identities of Epstein's wealthy associates who pocketed $350,000 from the billionaire prior to his arrest.