Anticipation and the Build-Up to the Release
For years, members of Congress and far-right influencers have been demanding the release of classified documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and alleged sex trafficker. Former President Donald Trump had previously vowed to make these documents public, leading to heightened expectations. On Wednesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the long-awaited release would finally take place on Thursday.
As a prelude to the official disclosure, a group of far-right influencers received physical copies of the documents at the White House. However, this gesture—viewed by some as a “managed disclosure” and by others as an ill-conceived publicity stunt—left the wider public waiting eagerly for a digital version.
The GOP House Judiciary Committee account, which is controlled by Chairman Jim Jordan, posted a Rickroll instead of Epstein files and now supporters are annoyed and angry.
A ‘Rickroll’ That Sparked Outrage
When the House Judiciary Committee’s Republican X account posted “BREAKING: EPSTEIN FILES RELEASED” along with a link, many users anticipated access to the long-awaited documents. Instead, they were met with a classic internet prank—the link led to Rick Astley’s 1987 hit song, Never Gonna Give You Up, a tactic known as “rickrolling.”
The backlash was immediate and intense. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), who leads a transparency-focused task force, condemned the stunt, calling it “disgusting behavior.” She emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating that those responsible for the prank would be held accountable. Conservative commentator Matt Walsh similarly criticized the lack of judgment, while another enraged user equated the GOP’s actions with those on Epstein’s client list, expressing frustration over the prolonged delay in obtaining justice.
Disappointment in the Released Documents
Following the backlash, the Justice Department eventually published the documents online. However, instead of providing groundbreaking revelations, the release proved to be heavily redacted and largely contained previously available information. The lack of new disclosures led to further disappointment among the public and political figures alike.
Congresswoman Luna expressed her frustration on X, stating: “THIS IS NOT WHAT WE OR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ASKED FOR and a complete disappointment. GET US THE INFORMATION WE ASKED FOR!”
Far-right activist Laura Loomer also voiced her anger, accusing Bondi of deceit and calling for her resignation. Former MLB pitcher John Rocker echoed similar sentiments, describing the release as a “slap in the face to the American people.”
Political Reactions and Continued Debate
While many conservatives criticized the release, others offered a different perspective. Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) thanked the Trump Administration for taking steps to bring the documents to light. Expressing solidarity with the victims, she remarked that the disclosure was a step towards justice.
From the opposing side, Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) mocked the release, posting an image of heavily redacted pages and stating, “You were promised the full Epstein files. You got this.”
Ahead of the release, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) had praised Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel for their efforts. However, on Thursday, Bondi claimed that the FBI was withholding crucial records. She subsequently directed Patel to investigate the matter further and demanded that the full and unredacted files be delivered by Friday.
The release of the Epstein files, instead of providing long-sought transparency, has fueled further controversy, deepened public frustration, and reinforced calls for genuine accountability and disclosure.
