Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) responded to President Donald Trump’s recent name-calling by dismissing it as “strategy” to limit the Jeffrey Epstein controversy.
Trump has attempted to clamp down on Republican lawmakers demanding further explanation on files pertaining to the case of Epstein, a late convicted sex trafficker, following Attorney General Pam Bondi teasing the release of a list of Epstein’s alleged clients. However, neither her office nor the FBI has released such a list as promised.
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During an appearance on ABC News’s This Week Sunday, host Martha Raddatz asked Burchett what he thought of Trump implying that Burchett and other Republican colleagues were “stupid” and “foolish” because they fell for a “big hoax” after asking for the release of Epstein’s files.
“I think, to underestimate Donald J. Trump is a mistake in this town, and I think we’re learning that that’s his strategy,” Burchett said.
“Was I a little ticked off he said that stuff? Sure, I was, but I'm a big boy."
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) July 20, 2025
GOP Rep. Tim Burchett reacted to Pres. Trump calling some Republicans “foolish" for demanding the release of the Epstein documents. https://t.co/8a1dmWyoHw pic.twitter.com/WQnVoIYdUK
“Was I a little ticked off he said that stuff? Sure, I was, but I’m a big boy, ma’am. We’re playing in the big leagues right now. I get criticized every day. I get death threats on a pretty regular basis,” Burchett said. “I think I can take a little criticism.”
Burchett still advocated to “get to the bottom” of the Epstein case as 1,000 victims were at the center of his crimes, even though he admitted it seemed unlikely. The Tennessee Republican continued to advocate for the release of further details during an appearance on CNN News’s State of the Union, also on Sunday.
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“This town buries secrets,” Burchett said.
Rep. @timburchett on the fight to release the Epstein files: "I'm ticked off at everybody" pic.twitter.com/4elP1X6WMm
— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) July 20, 2025
Other GOP lawmakers have opted to stop talking about Epstein, as advised by the president.