The US Congress is on the brink of an early shutdown as Republican leaders cancel legislative sessions to avoid voting on Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, amid accusations from Democrats of an 'epic cover-up'.

The White House has dismissed calls from the public and supporters for the Department of Justice to release all Epstein files, maintaining a stance of withholding information.

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie is pushing for a vote to release Epstein files, causing division within the GOP and drawing criticism from Trump, as he seeks accountability.

Massie has also attempted to introduce a discharge petition to force a vote on the Epstein files, highlighting frustrations with House leadership's handling of the issue.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has aligned with the White House in managing the Epstein issue, proposing a non-binding resolution for document release but delaying a vote until after the August recess.

Trump and his administration initially pledged full transparency on Epstein documents but have since shifted their stance, with Trump dismissing the controversy as a Democratic 'hoax'.

The Justice Department plans to interview Ghislaine Maxwell to gather more information about her involvement in Epstein's trafficking network.

Legislative efforts on immigration and environmental issues have been blocked by the Rules Committee, which refused to address amendments related to Epstein.

House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Massie's motives and stated that the Republican majority is shutting down the Rules Committee to prevent what they see as a distraction from legislative priorities.

House Republicans, under pressure from the White House, have refused to release Epstein files, choosing to shut down activities instead, with Democrats demanding transparency and accusing Republicans of orchestrating a cover-up.

In the midst of this controversy, Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch's media outlet over a report linking him to Epstein, denying any personal relationship with the convicted sex offender.

US Deputy Attorney-General Todd Blanche announced plans to meet with Ghislaine Maxwell to pursue justice related to Epstein's crimes, emphasizing that no lead is off-limits.

Revelations about Trump's past connections to Epstein, including a controversial birthday letter, have intensified scrutiny, although Trump claims the letter is fake.