Washington: New questions surrounding old emails linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case have resurfaced at a sensitive moment for President Donald J. Trump, adding fresh tension as the country moves toward the 2026 congressional elections.

Democrats in the House of Representatives recently released a set of emails tied to the long closed federal investigation into Epstein. The documents do not accuse the president of wrongdoing, but they have revived public interest in Trump’s past social ties to Epstein, who died in jail in 2019. The renewed attention has complicated the political message the White House hoped to highlight after ending the government shutdown.

Some Republicans have also supported a bipartisan push to make more Epstein related files public. Their move drew sharp criticism from the president, who argued that further releases are politically motivated and meant to weaken him before the midterm vote.

Polls cited by party strategists show that while most Republican voters continue to back the president overall, support drops significantly when they are asked about his handling of the Epstein file matter. This divide has raised concerns within the party about how the issue might influence turnout and competitive races next year.

The White House dismissed the development as a distraction, claiming that political opponents are trying to shift attention away from Trump administration achievements on the economy and border security. But advisers acknowledge privately that the renewed scrutiny has disrupted the campaign’s focus.

With the 2026 campaign season approaching, party leaders fear that continued debate over the Epstein case could deepen internal divisions. Analysts say the next few months will reveal whether the issue fades or becomes a lasting challenge for the president and his party.