The House Republican Judiciary Committee faced widespread backlash on Thursday after posting a link on X that it claimed led to the highly anticipated Jeffrey Epstein files—documents that Attorney General Pam Bondi had vowed to release that day.
Epstein, who was accused of trafficking minors, died by suicide in prison before standing trial. The documents were expected to reveal FBI evidence against him, with some journalists noting that portions of the information had already been made public through lawsuits.
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However, instead of leading to the files, the link posted by the Judiciary GOP redirected users to a “RickRoll,” an internet prank involving Rick Astley’s music video “Never Gonna Give You Up.” The stunt provoked outrage across the political spectrum on social media. CNN’s KFile founder and investigative reporter Andy Kaczynski condemned the move, posting, “Why is the House GOP sending Rick Roll jokes about files on child rape?”
Jane Coaston of Crooked Media expressed disbelief. “Oh my god, it’s a f—ing rickroll. They rickrolled files about a pedophile who trafficked girls.” Software engineer and influencer Alex Cole took aim at Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), recalling past accusations that Jordan ignored sexual abuse allegations. “Not the first time Jim Jordan looked the other way when serious crimes were committed,” Cole wrote.
Even Republican figures criticized the move. Former West Virginia state House member Derrick Evans commented, “Can’t believe you haven’t deleted this yet. WOW.” MAGA activist and Rumble partner @ChiefTrumpster expressed disappointment, writing, “I had zero expectations of anything being found.
What I did not expect was the official House Judiciary GOP account ‘Rick Roll’ a release of the Epstein files detailing horrific crimes. Yikes. This better be a hack.” Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R-FL) adviser Christina Pushaw also urged the committee to reconsider, tweeting, “There’s still time to delete this.”
“As a Republican and more importantly as an American, who is no stranger to online trolling, I find this distasteful. The trafficking & r@pe of children is not a joke,” Pushaw added. Democratic lawmakers also joined the criticism. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) sarcastically remarked, “So you put Comer in charge of your account.
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I hope they never delete this,” referencing House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY). David Hogg, new vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee, condemned the act, saying, “Turns out child sex trafficking was just a joke to the GOP the whole time.
Absolutely disgusting.” As the controversy grew, calls mounted for the House GOP to take responsibility for the post, with some demanding accountability from those responsible for the prank.
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