Trump Makes an Unexpected Political Pivot
Donald Trump now urges House Republicans to vote for the release of the Epstein records. He states on Truth Social that his party has “nothing to hide.” His shift comes as many Republicans signal they may join Democrats on the vote. The House plans a vote this week on a bill that orders the Justice Department to publish the files. Supporters expect enough votes in the House, though the outcome in the Senate remains unclear. Trump must approve the measure if both chambers pass it.
Bipartisan Support Gains Real Momentum
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 requires the release of all unclassified documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump comments after returning from Florida and highlights thousands of pages already published. He names several prominent Democrats and says the House Oversight Committee may access all legally available material. He urges Republicans to “stay focused.”
Investigators Revisit High-Profile Democratic Links
Trump mentions Bill Clinton after the Justice Department confirms fresh inquiries into Epstein’s ties with major banks and leading Democrats. Recent releases also include references to Reid Hoffman and Larry Summers. A Summers aide said in 2023 that Summers regretted any contact after Epstein’s conviction. Hoffman insists he never worked with Epstein as a client and only raised funds for MIT. He calls on Trump to unseal the files. 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 Releases Fuel Capitol Hill Conflict
Trump’s reversal follows the publication of three email exchanges released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. The emails involve Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Some messages mention Trump. One message from 2011 describes hours spent at Epstein’s home. Republicans respond with a release of 20,000 additional documents. They accuse Democrats of selecting material to harm Trump. The House then schedules a vote on a much broader release of Epstein-related records.
Divisions Inside the GOP Grow Sharper
Trump repeats his claim that the controversy reflects a politically driven “hoax.” His comments follow remarks from the House speaker, who says a vote could end speculation about Trump’s past ties. Meanwhile, Trump escalates a public clash with Marjorie Taylor Greene. He calls her “wacky” and later a “traitor.” Greene questions whether Trump still puts the country first and criticizes his approach to the files.
Survivors Press Congress for Full Disclosure
Epstein survivors and the family of Virginia Giuffre urge lawmakers to support the release. They remind members of Congress of their duty to the public. Their letter asks lawmakers to imagine similar harm striking their own families. The writers warn that voters will remember each decision when the next election arrives.
