Outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie criticized President Donald Trump and fellow Republicans during an appearance on “Meet the Press” shortly after losing his Kentucky primary to a Trump-backed challenger.

Massie said he believes his defeat was driven in part by his push to release government files related to Jeffrey Epstein through bipartisan legislation.

He argued that his cooperation with Democrats on the issue represented meaningful transparency, despite controversy surrounding Epstein’s past and Trump’s former association with him.

Massie also pointed to broader political tensions, including his opposition to Trump’s major spending bill, which he said significantly increased the federal deficit, USA Today has reported.

His comments came amid other recent Republican primary losses seen by some as reflecting Trump’s continued influence within the party.