President Donald Trump has signed legislation authorizing the Justice Department to release all unclassified records related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The measure, which passed the House with a 421-1 vote, mandates the release of documents including internal DOJ communications and details surrounding trafficking allegations. However, the bill allows for the redaction of sensitive information such as victims’ names, child abuse materials, or classified content. This decision follows years of bipartisan pressure for the release of the files, with lawmakers from both parties calling for transparency. The Epstein Files Transparency Act also includes provisions related to individuals referenced in Epstein’s previous legal cases, as well as details about the investigation into his death. Despite the majority support, some lawmakers expressed concerns about the potential risks to privacy and the safety of law enforcement informants. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., was the only House member to vote against the bill, citing threats to innocent individuals who cooperated with investigations. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., also voiced similar concerns during a press conference, warning that the release of such materials could deter future whistleblowers and expose undercover officers. The bill, however, gained bipartisan momentum after the release of additional documents by the Epstein estate and the disclosure of emails involving Trump, which have intensified scrutiny over the case. Following the House’s approval, the bill passed the Senate with unanimous consent, clearing the way for its implementation by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has pledged to comply with the law and release the files online within 30 days. This development has further fueled political discourse, with Trump framing the release as a response to a ‘Democrat hoax,’ contrasting his administration’s approach with the Biden era’s alleged inaction. The release of thousands of pages, including those referencing Trump, has drawn renewed attention to the case, highlighting the ongoing tensions and political implications surrounding the Epstein investigation.