Trump Reverses His Previous Position
Donald Trump now calls on House Republicans to vote for the release of the Epstein files. He posts on Truth Social that his party has “nothing to hide.” His reversal comes as many Republicans signal they may break ranks. The House plans a vote this week on a bill requiring the Justice Department to publish the documents. Supporters expect enough votes in the House, though the Senate’s position remains uncertain. Trump would need to sign the measure if both chambers pass it.
Bipartisan Support Strengthens
Democrats and several Republicans continue backing the legislation. Co-sponsor Thomas Massie predicts up to 100 Republicans could support the bill. The Epstein Files Transparency Act calls for the release of all unclassified materials linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump comments after returning from Florida and highlights thousands of pages already made public. He names several prominent Democrats and stresses that the House Oversight Committee may access all legally allowed materials. He urges Republicans to “stay focused.”
High-Profile Democrats Face Renewed Scrutiny
Trump mentions Bill Clinton after the Justice Department confirms new inquiries into Epstein’s ties with major banks and influential Democrats. Recent documents also reference Reid Hoffman and Larry Summers. A Summers aide said in 2023 that Summers regretted any contact after Epstein’s conviction. Hoffman states he never acted as a client and only raised funds for MIT. He urges Trump to push ahead with the release. Trump says he will ask Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI to examine Epstein’s connections to Clinton and others. Clinton denies any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
Document Releases Intensify Political Battle
Trump’s shift follows the release of three email exchanges published 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 respond with 20,000 additional documents. They accuse Democrats of cherry-picking material to harm Trump. The House then schedules a vote on a broader release of Epstein-related records.
Internal Republican Tensions Rise
Trump repeats his claim that the controversy reflects a politically motivated “hoax.” His remarks follow statements from the House speaker, who says a vote could resolve questions about Trump’s past ties. Trump also intensifies a public feud with Marjorie Taylor Greene. He calls her “wacky” and later labels her a “traitor.” Greene questions whether Trump still prioritizes the country and criticizes his handling of the files.
Survivors Urge Full Transparency
Epstein survivors and the family of Virginia Giuffre urge Congress to vote for full disclosure. They remind lawmakers of their duty to the public. Their letter asks legislators to imagine similar harm affecting their own families. They warn that voters will remember each decision when the next election arrives.
