Trump Shifts His Stance
Donald Trump now urges House Republicans to support 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 that forces the Justice Department to publish the documents. Supporters believe the measure has enough votes in the House, though the Senate outcome remains unclear. Trump must approve the release if both chambers pass it.
Momentum Builds Across Parties
Democrats and several Republicans push the legislation forward. Co-sponsor Thomas Massie predicts that up to 100 Republicans could vote yes. The Epstein Files Transparency Act demands the release of all unclassified materials tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump comments after returning from Florida and highlights thousands of pages already made public. He names several Democrats and stresses that the House Oversight Committee may access everything allowed by law. He urges his party to “stay focused.”
Renewed Scrutiny on Powerful Figures
Trump references Bill Clinton after the Justice Department confirms new reviews of Epstein’s links to major banks and high-profile Democrats. Recent releases also mention Reid Hoffman and Larry Summers. A Summers aide said in 2023 that Summers regretted any contact with Epstein after his conviction. Hoffman says he never acted as a client and only raised funds for MIT. He urges Trump to move ahead with the release. Trump says he will ask Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI to examine Epstein’s ties to Clinton and others. Clinton denies knowing about Epstein’s crimes.
Document Leaks Intensify the Battle
Trump’s shift follows the release of three email exchanges published by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. These messages involve Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Some emails mention Trump, including a 2011 message describing hours spent at Epstein’s home. Republicans answer by releasing 20,000 additional documents. They accuse Democrats of selecting files that harm Trump politically. The House then schedules a vote on a broader release of Epstein material.
Tensions Rise Within the GOP
Trump again calls the controversy a politically driven “hoax.” His remarks follow comments from the House speaker, who says a vote could settle questions about any past link between Trump and Epstein. Trump also expands a public feud with Marjorie Taylor Greene. He labels her “wacky” and later calls her a “traitor.” Greene responds by asking whether Trump still puts the country first and criticizes his handling of the files.
Survivors Urge Lawmakers to Act
Epstein survivors and the family of Virginia Giuffre urge Congress to vote for the release. They remind legislators of their duty to the public. Their letter asks lawmakers to imagine similar harm reaching their families. They warn that voters will remember each choice when the next election arrives.
