MAGA Dumping Trump? Rep. Kevin Kiley to Vote Yes to Release Epstein Files

During his presidency, Donald Trump has had a historically unrivaled level of support, some say control, over his party. But cracks are now developing, and they could be significant.

With the end of the federal shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) could no longer delay the swearing-in of Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva. Even though her vote was needed to approve the release of the so-called Epstein files, in a blow to Trump, the discharge measure has gained more Republican support.

Joining the other Republican congress members in favor of the release of the Epstein files is Rep. Kevin Kiley (R - Calif. 3rd District). Kiley made his announcement on social media and confirmed during a Friday afternoon interview on CNN (see video and social media post below).

From Trump's perspective, this growing disobedience within the House Republican caucus is problematic. Of course, it is no coincidence that this discontent arises after the recent off-year elections, in which Democrats outperformed Republicans, and the dissatisfaction with Trump's management of the economy.

Along with those considerations, other circumstances have been forced upon Kiley. The reason Kiley has drifted away from Trump, at least on the Epstein controversy, is because of Proposition 50, which, for the time being, has left him undecided about which California congressional district he will seek reelection to.

It is noteworthy that, prior to Proposition 50, Kiley voted 'present on an earlier measure in September. However, given the district lines that favor Democrats and the overwhelming support for Proposition 50, Kiley is facing political extinction.

Given that the Trump administration has filed a Federal lawsuit to reverse Proposition 50, the saga is not yet finished. Should courts agree with the Trump administration and revert to the pre-Proposition 50 district boundaries, Kiley will undoubtedly bounce back to his former positions like a rubber ball.