A Florida federal judge on Wednesday declined to release additional grand jury documents from the criminal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, marking the first roadblock in the Justice Department’s efforts to quell the public backlash over the handling of the case.

President Donald Trump skipped town on Friday to head to Scotland, leaving the firestorm surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein scandal behind him. But as the week has proven, the crisis is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Rep. Robert Garcia demands DOJ release Epstein files, stressing the need for transparency after a committee vote for a subpoena.

On July 22, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, sent the House of Representatives on an early summer recess to prevent passage of a bipartisan measure forcing the DOJ to release its Epstein documents. "The GOP is so intent on not talking about Epstein and ...

"Because they are terrified of the growing furor over President Trump's refusal to release the Epstein files," Ross wrote. "In embarrassment and desperation, they are running for the exits while the American people watch in disbelief."

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is launching digital ads targeting a dozen Republican-held House districts, calling for the release of files related to financier and convicted sex offender

Ghislaine Maxwell met for hours with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Thursday, answering all questions without invoking privilege, according to CNBC. While Maxwell's attorney declined to discuss details,

Joe Rogan lashed out at the Trump administration over its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, asking, “Do they think we’re babies?” Rogan singled out FBI Director Kash Patel for criticism as he dug into the situation—which has sparked outcry from the president’s supporters—during the Friday edition of his show.

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

Judge Robin L. Rosenberg said she could not legally grant the Justice Department’s request to release the testimony of witnesses who appeared before the grand jury.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell again, as the Trump administration tries to quell weeks of backlash over its handling of information on Epstein’s case.