During Mr. Trump's first term, his labor secretary, Alexander Acosta, resigned following criticism of his handling of Epstein's 2008 plea deal when he was a federal prosecutor in Florida. Epstein served 13 months in a jail work-release program after he was originally accused of sexually abusing dozens of girls and young women.

The Missouri senator’s comments come amid a broader, tumultuous moment for Republicans and allies of Trump both in Missouri and nationally.

A billboard in in New York City's Times Square calls for the release of the Epstein files on July 23. Photo: Adam Gray/

The news Wednesday that Attorney General Pam Bondi told President Donald Trump back in May that his name appeared in the Jeffrey Epstein files isn’t that surprising, in context.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss his decision to run for reelection, ending speculation that he would run for governor of New York. Rep. Lawler also responds to the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files.

It began in early July, when the Department of Justice released a memo concluding that no Epstein "client list" existed, and that there was not sufficient evidence to charge third parties. As a result, most Americans concluded that a cover-up had taken place, according to a previous YouGov poll.

Chris Cuomo says the Trump administration should release all the files they have regarding Jeffery Epstein. “If you didn’t do anything wrong, there’s nothing to worry about,” Cuomo says, adding that the administration should focus on restoring the trust of the American people and stop diving deeper into conspiracy theories about Obama and Russiagate.

Some senators - both Republican and Democrat - agree that the Epstein files should be released even if President Donald Trump is directly named in them.

The investigation into Epstein's crimes began in Palm Beach, Florida, where he faced initial charges and entered a controversial plea deal. Trump, a former friend of Epstein, faces scrutiny due to past associations and a recent lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over a lewd letter.