Trump’s own supporters finally forced his hand today.
After months of White House pressure to bury the Epstein files, the GOP broke ranks and voted with the Democrats.
The House voted 427-1 to compel their release. Hours later, the Senate passed it unanimously. When ABC’s Mary Bruce asked why Trump doesn’t just order the release himself instead of waiting for Congress, he threatened to revoke the network’s broadcast license.
The other consequence arrived in Texas. A Trump-appointed federal judge ruled it was racial gerrymandering after Abbott explicitly directed the Legislature to redistrict based on race. Texas was the centerpiece of Trump’s strategy to protect the Republican House majority in 2026. If the ruling stands while California’s Democratic counter-map proceeds, Republicans don’t just fail to expand their majority. They could lose the House entirely.
The consequences are arriving because people forced them to arrive. Call your representatives tomorrow. Demand they hold the line on the Epstein files. The bill is on Trump’s desk and he says he’ll sign it. Make sure he does. Tell them you’re watching what happens next.
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Indiana State Sen. Greg Goode swatted hours after Trump names him on Truth Social for refusing to advance redistricting Trump says would help House Republican majority.
Today’s GovBrief News
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Source: The San Antonio Express News
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Source: Euronews
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Source: CBS News
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Source: ABC News
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Source: The Washington Post
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Source: The New York Times (gift link)
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Trump-appointed federal judge approves new Alabama Senate map after finding Legislature violated Voting Rights Act by packing Black voters into one district, Gov. Kay Ivey declined special session to fix it.
Source: Alabama Live
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Trump calls for FCC to revoke ABC broadcast license after reporter Mary Bruce asks why he doesn't order Epstein file release himself instead of waiting for Congress.
Source: USA Today
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Source: CNBC
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Source: The Hill
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Source: KPLC Lake Charles LA
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House blocks censure of Del. Stacey Plaskett after revelations she texted with Jeffrey Epstein during 2019 Michael Cohen hearing, received suggested questions from him.
Source: UPI
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House disapproves of Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García waiting until after Illinois filing deadline to announce retirement, boxing out Democrats except his chief of staff.
Source: Roll Call
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Senate passes Epstein files release bill by unanimous consent after Trump reverses monthslong opposition following rebellion by his own supporters.
Source: Politico
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Source: Federal News Network
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Source: ProPublica
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Federal panel blocks Texas congressional map, finding racial gerrymandering after Gov. Greg Abbott explicitly directed Legislature to redistrict based on race.
Source: The Dallas Morning News
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