Trump signs law pushing rapid disclosure of records
Donald Trump says he has signed a law that forces the Justice Department to release all federal records tied to Jeffrey Epstein. The law sets a 30-day deadline, though officials may withhold details that affect active investigations or violate personal privacy. With Trump’s support, the bill moves through both chambers with overwhelming backing. Trump reverses his stance after strong pressure from survivors and members of his own party. He earlier dismissed the effort as a partisan distraction before changing course. He now claims the files may expose information about Democratic figures and stresses his role in approving the measure.
Congress advances the bill with near-total agreement
Congress does not need to vote to release the files, since Trump could order disclosure himself. Lawmakers still push the bill forward. 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 messages. They also contain flight logs and links to people and organisations associated with Epstein. These files differ from the 20,000 pages released last week from Epstein’s estate. Those documents include 2018 messages in which Epstein says he can “take down” Trump and claims 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 welcome the move and push for full transparency
Survivors praise the law. The family of Virginia Giuffre calls the measure “nothing short of monumental.” They insist every name must be revealed, regardless of influence or wealth. They say the work continues until complete 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 across politics, finance, and media.
High-profile figures face renewed scrutiny over Epstein ties
Former Harvard president Larry Summers steps away from teaching on Wednesday. The university reviews his links to Epstein after friendly emails emerge. Attorney General Pam Bondi must release all unclassified records tied to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days of the law’s enactment. Maxwell serves a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Officials may still block parts that harm active investigations or expose victims. Congressman Thomas Massie warns that new investigations may delay disclosure. He fears officials may use them to justify withholding files.
