• Epstein files: President Donald Trump encouraged House Republicans to vote this week to release more files related to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — a stark reversal in the president’s position as momentum grows in support of the effort in Congress.
• Political breakup: Meanwhile, Trump is feuding with GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a staunch ally, who told CNN the rift “has all come down to the Epstein files.” Greene is among a handful of Republicans who are adamant about releasing the documents.
• Venezuela tensions: Trump has yet to make a decision on whether to attack Venezuela on land, officials tell CNN, as the president hints a window may be opening for diplomacy. This comes after the US increased pressure on the South American country over the weekend, saying it will designate a Venezuelan cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is considering options as he weighs scheduling a vote on a bill demanding the government release the Jeffrey Epstein files, according to a GOP leadership aide.
That bill is expected to pass the House this week. Thune is not expected to announce anything until after the House votes on it, the source said. His position is critical because the measure would have to pass the Senate before becoming law and prompting the release of the files.
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