Will Pigs Fly?

Trump, clearly recognizing he was gonna lose dozens of members on this one, now calls on House Republicans to vote to release the Epstein files—and somehow claims he had already said this pic.twitter.com/99nq8iA9mC

— Sam Stein (@samstein) November 17, 2025

How many Republicans are now going to vote with Trump? And how quickly does Trump regain control of the narrative? Soon? Half-past never? Not in this lifetime?

And will he apologize to Rep. Massie?

It took about 12 hours for Trump to saw the ledge Barasso was on. https://t.co/nfMYfYE0YH

— Neera Tanden🌻 (@neeratanden) November 17, 2025

Gonna be a few people like that.

Tough break for Rep. Troy Nehls, who, in search of Trump's praise, came out in opposition to the release of the Epstein files, calling it all a hoax. He got excoriated online only to watch Trump reverse course and say he now favors release. Does Nehls change again? https://t.co/Bo6Y2oDkoM

— Sam Stein (@samstein) November 17, 2025

I’m sure they’ll be fine.

If he really wants the Epstein files released, he will tell Thune to put it on the Senate floor. Otherwise instructing the House means nothing - if the Senate just never takes it up. https://t.co/mNX9lJoMR1

— Neera Tanden🌻 (@neeratanden) November 17, 2025

I’d call it a cynical take; but I’m not sure Trump knows how Congress works. I still think this is the best explanation:

For months I've noted that that "Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein" was a first for him, the first time we've seen him lose control of the narrative.

The narrative is what Trump worries most about. He probably imagines this gives him that control back. And probably cover to pardon Maxwell. 

This must be more of that “feral cunning.”