Trump Switches Course on Disclosure
Donald Trump now urges House Republicans to vote for the release of the Epstein files. He states on Truth Social that his party has “nothing to hide.” His reversal comes as many Republicans show willingness to break ranks. The House will vote this week on a bill that forces the Justice Department to publish the documents. Supporters expect enough votes in the House, though the Senate outcome remains uncertain. Trump must approve the release if both chambers pass it.
Support Broadens Across Party Lines
Democrats and several Republicans continue to back the bill. Co-sponsor Thomas Massie predicts that up to 100 Republicans could support the measure. The Epstein Files Transparency Act demands the release of all unclassified records linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump posts after returning from Florida and highlights thousands of pages already made public. He names several Democratic figures and stresses that the House Oversight Committee may access everything allowed by law. He urges Republicans to stay focused.
Pressure Increases on Notable Democrats
Trump mentions Bill Clinton after the Justice Department confirms new reviews of Epstein’s ties to major banks and powerful 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 says he only raised funds for MIT and never acted as a client. 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.
Fresh Document Drops Heighten the Conflict
Trump’s shift follows the publication of three email exchanges released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. These messages involve Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Some emails mention Trump, including a 2011 note about hours spent at Epstein’s home. Republicans respond by releasing 20,000 additional documents. They accuse Democrats of selecting files to damage Trump politically. The House then schedules a vote on a broader release of Epstein material.
Rising Tensions Within 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 end speculation about any past tie between Trump and Epstein. Trump also deepens his 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 handling of the files.
Survivors Demand Full Transparency
Epstein survivors and the family of Virginia Giuffre urge Congress to vote for the release. They remind lawmakers of their duty to the public. Their letter asks legislators to imagine similar harm striking their own families. They warn that voters will remember every choice when the next election arrives.
