Trump Reverses His Earlier Position
Donald Trump now urges House Republicans to back the release of the Epstein files. On Truth Social, he writes that his party has “nothing to hide.” His change of direction comes as many Republicans signal they may join Democrats on the vote. The House plans to vote this week on a bill requiring the Justice Department to publish the documents. Supporters expect enough votes in the House, though the Senate outcome remains uncertain. Trump would need to sign the measure if both chambers pass it.
Cross-Party Support Gains Strength
Democrats and several Republicans support the proposal. Co-sponsor Thomas Massie predicts that up to 100 Republicans could vote yes. The Epstein Files Transparency Act directs the release of all unclassified records tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump comments after returning from Florida and points to thousands of pages already released. He names several prominent Democrats and stresses that the House Oversight Committee may access all legally permitted documents. He urges Republicans to “stay focused.”
Fresh Pressure on High-Profile Democrats
Trump mentions Bill Clinton after the Justice Department confirms new inquiries into Epstein’s ties with major banks and influential Democrats. Recent releases also reference Reid Hoffman and Larry Summers. A Summers aide said in 2023 that Summers regretted any contact after Epstein’s conviction. Hoffman insists he never acted as a client and only raised funds for MIT. He calls on Trump to move the release forward. Trump says he will ask Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI to examine Epstein’s connections to Clinton and others. Clinton denies knowing about Epstein’s crimes.
New Document Waves Escalate the Tension
Trump’s reversal follows the publication of three email exchanges by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. The messages involve Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Some emails mention Trump, including a 2011 note describing hours spent at Epstein’s home. Republicans answer with a release of 20,000 additional documents. They accuse Democrats of choosing files that cast Trump in a negative light. The House then schedules a vote on a broader release of Epstein-related records.
Growing Strains Inside the GOP
Trump repeats his claim that the controversy reflects a politically driven “hoax.” His remarks follow comments from the House speaker, who says a vote could settle questions about Trump’s past ties. Meanwhile, Trump intensifies a public feud with Marjorie Taylor Greene. He calls her “wacky” and later labels her a “traitor.” Greene questions whether Trump still puts the country first and criticizes his approach to the files.
Survivors Push Congress to Act
Epstein survivors and the family of Virginia Giuffre urge lawmakers to support the release. They remind elected officials of their duty to the public. Their letter asks legislators to imagine similar harm affecting their own families. The writers warn that voters will remember each decision when the next election arrives.
