Trump Breaks From His Earlier Stance
Donald Trump now urges House Republicans to vote for the release of the Epstein files. He writes on Truth Social that his party has “nothing to hide.” His shift comes as many Republicans indicate 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 unclear. Trump must approve the measure if both chambers pass it.
Support for the Bill Expands Across Parties
Democrats and several Republicans back the proposal. Co-sponsor Thomas Massie predicts that up to 100 Republicans could support it. The Epstein Files Transparency Act orders the release of all unclassified records linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump comments after returning from Florida and highlights thousands of pages already released. He names several prominent Democrats and says the House Oversight Committee may access all legally allowed materials. He calls on Republicans to “stay focused.”
Fresh Attention 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 document releases also reference Reid Hoffman and Larry Summers. A Summers representative said in 2023 that Summers regretted any contact after Epstein’s conviction. Hoffman says he never acted as a client and only helped with fundraising for MIT. He urges Trump to push 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 Records Intensify Political Tensions
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 message about hours spent at Epstein’s home. Republicans answer with a release of 20,000 additional documents. They accuse Democrats of selecting information to harm Trump. The House then announces a vote on a broader release of Epstein-related files.
Republican Divisions Grow Sharper
Trump repeats his claim that the controversy reflects a politically motivated “hoax.” His remarks follow comments by 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 Urge Congress to Pursue Full Transparency
Epstein survivors and the family of Virginia Giuffre call on lawmakers to support the release. They remind elected officials of their duty to the public. Their letter asks members of Congress to imagine similar harm affecting their own families. The writers warn that voters will remember each decision when the next election arrives.
