Trump Makes a Notable Policy Reversal
Donald Trump now calls on House Republicans to support the release of the Epstein files. He declares on Truth Social that his party has “nothing to hide.” His shift comes as many Republicans indicate they may join Democrats on the vote. The House prepares to vote this week on a bill requiring the Justice Department to publish the documents. Supporters believe they have the votes in the House, though the Senate’s stance remains unclear. Trump must sign the measure if it passes both chambers.
Support Expands Across Party Boundaries
Democrats and several Republicans back the legislation. Co-sponsor Thomas Massie predicts that up to 100 Republicans could approve it. The Epstein Files Transparency Act requires the release of all unclassified materials tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump comments after landing from a Florida trip and highlights thousands of pages already made public. He names several well-known Democrats and stresses that the House Oversight Committee may access all legally available records. He urges Republicans to “stay on track.”
Fresh Scrutiny on High-Level Democrats
Trump mentions Bill Clinton after the Justice Department confirms new inquiries into Epstein’s ties with major banks and prominent Democrats. Recent releases also mention Reid Hoffman and Larry Summers. A Summers spokesperson said in 2023 that he regretted any contact after Epstein’s conviction. Hoffman states he never acted as a client and only raised funds for MIT. He pushes Trump to release the documents. Trump says he will ask Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI to examine Epstein’s connections to Clinton and others. Clinton denies involvement in Epstein’s crimes.
New Document Batches Deepen Tensions
Trump’s turnaround follows the release of three email exchanges by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. The messages involve Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Some emails reference Trump. One message from 2011 describes hours spent at Epstein’s home. Republicans answer with a release of 20,000 additional documents. They accuse Democrats of selecting material to damage Trump. The House then announces a vote on a broader release of Epstein-related records.
GOP Infighting Reaches New Levels
Trump repeats his claim that the controversy stems from a politically driven “hoax.” His comments follow remarks from the House speaker, who says a vote could resolve doubts about Trump’s past connections. Meanwhile, Trump escalates a public feud with Marjorie Taylor Greene. He calls her “wacky” and later a “traitor.” Greene questions whether Trump still puts the country first and criticizes his handling of the files.
Survivors Urge Lawmakers to Stand Firm
Epstein survivors and the family of Virginia Giuffre urge Congress to support full disclosure. They remind lawmakers of their responsibility to their communities. Their letter asks elected officials to imagine such harm affecting their own relatives. The writers warn that voters will remember each decision when they cast their ballots.
