Senate GOP blocks resolution demanding Trump release Epstein files

• Sen. Ruben Gallego's (D-Ariz.) request Thursday for unanimous consent to pass a resolution demanding the release of Epstein-related documents drew an objection from Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who called the move "pure theater."
• It takes just one senator to block a unanimous consent request.
• The FBI and Justice Department concluded that Epstein died by suicide and that he did not have a "client list," Axios scooped earlier this month.

The big picture: Democrats are eager to expose fractures they see in Trump's MAGA base after the president backed away from a campaign promise to release DOJ files related to Epstein.

• "They're protecting the rich and powerful — again," Gallego posted on X after the GOP blocked his resolution.
• House Democrats have made similar attempts this week, but Republicans have also blocked those efforts.

Between the lines: There is growing dissent at the heart of Trump's "manosphere," a coalition of anti-establishment podcasters and comedians who have become an influential part of the MAGA movement.

The other side: Mullin accused Democrats of playing a "gotcha game" and said the party is only "pretending to care" about the issue.

• "I'm all for transparency w/ Epstein files," Mullin posted on X. "Those with legit questions, fine. But let's call THIS for what it is— pure theater from a party that hates Trump."