This piece is featured in The D.C. Brief, TIME’s political newsletter. Subscribe to receive similar stories directly in your inbox.

Donald Trump accurately assessed his circumstances and . He was losing a significant amount of support from Republicans due to his refusal to release all documents gathered by the Department of Justice during its inquiries into the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. His attempts to divert attention or give the impression of handling the matter internally were met with widespread indignation and scorn.

Consequently, Trump was confronted with a decision: either alter his position and align with the public sentiment he had cultivated for a decade, or remain steadfast and promise to veto the transparency legislation should it reach him. He could not prevail in this struggle by trying to sway his core supporters. 

Therefore, Trump seemingly yielded under pressure from his own base. This could indicate that the Make America Great Again movement is evolving beyond its founder, who established it as a significant political power. For a long time, the MAGA ideology was defined solely by Trump. His supporters adjusted their views, often multiple times, on matters such as trade, international disputes, and identifying political adversaries, all in accordance with Trump’s declared MAGA stance.

However, this recent twist in the Epstein affair might foretell a more significant shift than just a political reprimand; it might signal that the Make America Great Movement is moving past allegiance to a single person, transforming from a personality cult into a more developed ideology capable of enduring beyond its creator.

This phenomenon is quite common. Much like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in the 1960s, the MAGA universe is not a static, unchanging entity. Likewise, the Tea Party, Black Lives Matter, and Defund the Police movements have evolved since their inception. Convictions solidify, strategies change, and allegiances are put to the test. When this occurs, centralized leadership diminishes in impact. Ideology often surpasses debate, and influence can be transferred.

The Epstein controversy had been simmering for weeks until last Wednesday, when Democrats compelled Trump’s action by releasing which claimed Epstein alleged Trump spent hours with a victim and “naturally, he was aware of the girls.” Shortly after, House Republicans issued their . Trump’s attempt on November 14 to pivot and appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Epstein’s ties to former President Bill Clinton, his Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and major banks received no support.

Therefore, Trump utilized the only viable exit strategy: on Sunday, he declared an abrupt desire for Republicans to proceed with a plan that was already in motion. The following day in the Oval Office, he expressed his to conclude the matter: “Allow anyone to examine it, but avoid excessive discussion, because, frankly, I don’t wish for it to detract from us. It is genuinely a Democrat issue. All the Democrats were Epstein’s associates, and it’s a deception.”

There are grounds to believe this unforeseen development has not concluded. When Trump earnestly embarked on his political ascent in 2015, his populist rhetoric and nationalistic grandstanding appeared to serve as instruments for his personal brand. In some manner, a broad spectrum of Americans seemed captivated by this narrative suggesting that the elite were deceiving the common citizen. These voters were prepared to overlook Trump’s established image as a thrice-married billionaire who was once a close acquaintance of Epstein. They rationalized his pressure campaign against Ukraine to uncover damaging information on a political opponent, downplayed his involvement in the violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and justified that restoring Trump to office would enable him to complete the initiatives begun in his initial term. Forgiveness was boundless—until it ceased to be.

The Epstein affair stands apart. For years, the MAGA base has been sustained by a constant flow of suggestions and mystery surrounding the precise events on Epstein’s island and within the group of associates alleged to have trafficked underage girls and young women. Trump consistently fueled this fascination, leading to a situation where his followers now feel that all individuals implicated in that conspiracy must face repercussions, even if it entails opposing Trump himself.

And, to be candid, has undergone continuous transformation. Initially, no substantial connection existed between the two New York socialites. Subsequently, the argument emerged that Trump was unaware of any wrongdoing yet still decided to expel Epstein from the Palm Beach, Florida, club. Following this were narratives of disputes concerning stolen staff and pilfered assets. Then came outright denials that contradicted what was described as an indecent sketch and a birthday greeting wishing “may every day be another wonderful secret.” And then the Democratic emails. And then the Republican ones. And then, and then, and then…

At this point, Republicans are weary of defending Trump. This summer, House Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned his chamber instead of permitting a vote on the release of the Epstein files to reach the floor. Throughout the six-week recess, he declined to swear in a legitimately elected House member because she was poised to be the critical 218th signatory on a petition that would compel the House to address the Epstein legislation.

Even for some members of Congress traditionally viewed as staunch MAGA loyalists, this defensive stance was becoming difficult to uphold. Some dissenting Republican legislators recognized the importance of understanding the government’s holdings and who was evading responsibility. Others were displeased with being openly deceived, as if every other aspect emanating from Trump’s circle was completely honest. And still others were prepared to distance themselves from Trump if it meant adhering to their firm dedication to justice. 

Johnson’s attempts to save his members from a recorded vote proved unsuccessful. It is anticipated that almost every House member will vote today to mandate the release of the Epstein files, transmitting the measure to the Senate where 13 Republicans would need to defect to send it to Trump. And the bill, once considered doomed in the Senate, could indeed become an unstoppable force. 

This is a juncture where Trump appears remarkably ineffective—not merely out of alignment with his base, but also uncertain how to influence it. It suggests that Trump might have ultimately succeeded in creating a movement capable of surviving him—and he could be significantly diminished as a result.

Understand the key developments in Washington. .