Trump signs law demanding swift release of files
Donald Trump says he has signed a law that forces the Justice Department to release all federal records linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The law sets a 30-day deadline, though officials may withhold details that endanger active investigations or violate personal privacy. With Trump’s support, the bill passes both chambers with overwhelming approval. Trump shifts his position after strong pressure from survivors and members of his own party. He had earlier dismissed the effort as a partisan distraction before reversing course. He now argues the files may expose information about Democratic figures and highlights his personal backing of the measure.
Congress pushes the bill forward with near-unanimous support
Congress does not need to vote to release the files, since Trump could have ordered it himself. Lawmakers still advance the bill. The House backs it by 427 to 1. The Senate approves it without objection. The files include criminal investigation records, interview transcripts, seized materials, and internal Justice Department communications. They also contain flight logs and links to people and organisations tied to Epstein. These records differ from the 20,000 pages released last week from Epstein’s estate. Those documents include 2018 messages in which Epstein claims he can “take down” Trump and says he knows “how dirty donald is.” Trump and Epstein were close for years. Trump says they fell out in the early 2000s and denies any wrongdoing.
Survivors praise the measure and call for full disclosure
Survivors welcome the law. The family of Virginia Giuffre calls the decision “nothing short of monumental.” They insist every name must be revealed, regardless of influence or wealth. They say their work continues until full transparency is reached. Epstein dies in 2019 in a New York jail cell. A coroner rules his death a suicide. He faces sex-trafficking charges at the time and has a prior conviction from 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Epstein maintains ties to many high-profile figures in politics, finance, and media.
Fresh scrutiny hits prominent figures linked to Epstein
Former Harvard president Larry Summers steps away from teaching on Wednesday. The university reviews his ties to Epstein after friendly emails surface. Attorney General Pam Bondi must release all unclassified records tied to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days of the law’s start. Maxwell serves a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Officials may still withhold material that harms active investigations or exposes victims. Congressman Thomas Massie warns that new probes could delay disclosure. He fears officials may use them to justify keeping files sealed.
