President Donald Trump has urged House Republicans to vote in favour of releasing the full set of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein, marking a major reversal after weeks of downplaying the issue as a Democratic distraction. On Sunday night he wrote that his party should support the move “because we have nothing to hide,” even though he had previously labelled the push a hoax designed to divert attention from his legislative agenda. Growing interest in past associations between Epstein and prominent public figures, including Trump, has led to increased pressure on lawmakers. Although Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, the publication of selected emails by House Democrats intensified speculation, prompting a rare public disagreement between the president and some of his strongest allies.
The documents at the centre of the dispute come from two major criminal investigations into Epstein’s activities, which resulted in extensive interviews, seized materials, and thousands of pages of evidence. Republicans and Democrats alike are backing a bill known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would require the Justice Department to publish all unclassified records. Supporters of the bill believe they have the votes to pass it in the House, although its fate in the Senate remains uncertain. The renewed focus follows the release of several emails between Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, one referencing Virginia Giuffre, who clarified before her death that she never witnessed Trump engage in abuse. In response, House Republicans released a much larger tranche of files, accusing Democrats of selectively using documents to damage the president.
Trump’s shift has also triggered a public feud with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who questioned whether he was still prioritising America First principles after he criticised her for supporting the bill. Meanwhile, survivors of Epstein’s abuse and Giuffre’s family have urged Congress to release the remaining documents, arguing that transparency is necessary for justice. The Justice Department has separately confirmed it will examine Epstein’s financial links and his interactions with several influential political and business figures. As lawmakers prepare for the vote, the debate continues to dominate political discussion and test loyalty within Republican ranks.
