Washington: A US lawmaker on Sunday criticized the Justice Department's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's connections with prominent Democrats, labeling it a 'last-ditch effort' to prevent the release of Epstein's files. Representative Thomas Massie suggested this move could be a significant 'smokescreen.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Massie expressed in an interview with ABC's This Week program, 'If they have ongoing investigations in certain areas, those documents can't be released.' Massie highlighted that the president has repeatedly dismissed the investigation as a hoax, yet is now choosing to pursue it.

Massie claimed the files would not implicate US President Donald Trump, asserting that Trump is aiming to protect affluent friends, including billionaires, campaign donors, and social circle acquaintances. He stated, 'That's my operating theory on why he's trying so hard to keep these files closed.'

Massie cautioned fellow Republicans that supporting Trump might not protect them indefinitely. He emphasized, 'If you do not vote to release these files, you will have voted to protect pedophiles. The record of this vote will outlast Trump's presidency.'

US Representative Ro Khanna expressed on NBC News' Meet the Press that the effort to release the files is not centered around Donald Trump. Khanna stated, 'I don't even know how involved Trump was. There are a lot of other people who are involved who have to be held accountable,' emphasizing the pursuit of 'justice for the survivors.'

US House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox News Sunday that the release of the documents could dispel claims linking Trump to Epstein's criminal activities. Johnson remarked, 'They're doing this to go after President Trump on this theory that he has something to do with it. He does not.'

Johnson described the documents as the Democrats' 'entire game plan' and advocated for their release, stating, 'We're going to take that weapon out of their hands. Let's get this done and move on - there's nothing to hide.'