The case involving the proxy billionaire Jeffrey Epstein has not shown any signs of settling down, even after US President Donald Trump suddenly changed his stance on the evening of November 16 and told Republicans to vote in favor of releasing them.
Regardless of the final outcome, analysts point to the development as having affected Trump's position within the MAGA movement.
The leader, who had a major influence on the party's guidelines for a decade, this time had to make a concession when he realized that the priorities of voters and lawmakers were no longer in line with his wishes.
This change in stance was a remarkable political moment. Trump has been forced to make a concession after months of protesting the House of Representatives' efforts to force the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all Epstein files. A significant number of Republicans are expected to vote in reverse to Trump's original stance this week.
Analysts said this was clearly a change in stance.
Both Trump and former House Speaker Mike Johnson strongly opposed the proposal to force the vote. The Epstein file case has also been the focus of a recent public disagreement between Trump and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (Gorgia).
Over the past decade, Republicans have shown a high level of unity around Trump. Most lawmakers follow his views, even as it goes against traditional conservative principles. However, the Epstein dossier has shown limits. This time, Republicans seem unable to ignore the demand from their voters.
Analysts pointed out that this incident is at a disadvantage for President Trump at this time, as it comes amid growing clearly cracked within the MAGA. His supporters are arguing about a number of issues, from foreign policy to relations with major technology corporations.
Marjorie Taylor Greene's case has become a bigger problem than expected. Ms. Greene is openly responding to Mr. Trump. She did so from a position of great prestige with MAGA voters, creating a large wave of protests.
This is also a period of low political sensitivity of Mr. Trump. The Republican Party's failures in this month's elections further affected his position.
Therefore, observers say it is not surprising that some Republicans are trying to find a new direction, separate from Mr. Trump on some issues. Epstein's records are an easy choice, as recent polls show that 77% of Americans want to publish all their records.
