President Donald Trump has signed legislation allowing the release of Justice Department files related to late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The House passed the measure with a 421-1 vote, following months of pressure from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Trump framed the release as a move to expose a “Democrat hoax” and highlighted his administration’s efforts to release documents, contrasting it with the Biden administration’s lack of action. The Epstein Files Transparency Act mandates the DOJ to release unclassified records and investigative materials, with redactions for sensitive information. The release has intensified political scrutiny over Trump’s ties to Epstein, with some lawmakers raising concerns about privacy and potential risks to witnesses and law enforcement.
During his announcement, Trump emphasized his role in pushing for the legislation, stating that the measure “was almost unanimously passed” in both chambers. He also criticized the Biden administration for not releasing any files related to Epstein, suggesting a political agenda. The vote in the House was led by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, who argued that transparency is essential for justice. However, Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., voted against the measure, citing the potential harm to innocent individuals and law enforcement officers.
The legislation’s passage comes after renewed efforts by Congress to obtain information about Epstein’s connections. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee released three emails from Epstein’s estate that mentioned Trump, prompting Republicans to release their own documents. These emails show Epstein’s correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell and author Michael Wolff, where he references Trump’s involvement. Despite the documents being authentic, there is no evidence linking Trump to any wrongdoing. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial, and Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking charges.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the DOJ will comply with the law, releasing the files online in a searchable format within 30 days. The release of the files has sparked significant public interest, with some viewing it as a potential breakthrough in understanding Epstein’s connections. However, others caution against the risks of exposing private information and disrupting ongoing investigations. The ongoing scrutiny reflects the broader political tensions surrounding Trump’s legacy and the continued influence of Epstein’s case in the public eye.