The controversy surrounding the Epstein files intensified after President Donald Trump officially signed legislation authorizing the release of the records. This development followed months of bipartisan pressure from key lawmakers, including Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who have consistently pushed for transparency regarding Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislane Maxwell.
Harris, speaking on a Wednesday podcast with The Bulwark, confronted Trump directly. She accused him of gaslighting the American public by using the congressional authorization as an excuse to delay the release of the files. ‘Since when?’ she questioned, highlighting the hypocrisy in Trump’s approach. Harris emphasized that as the head of the executive branch, Trump should have the authority to release the files unilaterally, given his prior actions that often bypassed legislative oversight.
In his public statement after signing the bill, Trump claimed that his request for legislation was instrumental in the swift passage of the measure, noting that the vote was nearly unanimous. He also asserted that the Trump administration had taken proactive steps in releasing documents to Congress, a claim that contradicts statements from the Biden administration regarding any lack of transparency on the issue.
According to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the Department of Justice is required to release all unclassified records and investigative materials related to Epstein and Ghislane Maxwell. The act also mandates the inclusion of details surrounding trafficking allegations, internal communications regarding the investigation, and any information about the investigation into Epstein’s death. However, certain sensitive materials, including those involving victims, child sex abuse content, classified information, or ongoing investigations, may be withheld or redacted as deemed necessary by the DOJ.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the Justice Department will comply with the law, ensuring the files go public in a searchable format within the stipulated 30-day timeframe. The release of the files is expected to significantly impact the ongoing discussions around transparency in high-profile legal matters, potentially influencing public perception and political discourse surrounding the issue.