Trump Delivers a Sudden Shift in Tone
Donald Trump now urges House Republicans to vote for the release of the Epstein files. He writes on Truth Social that his party has “nothing to hide.” His reversal comes as many Republicans show willingness to join Democrats on the vote. The House prepares to vote this week on a bill that requires the Justice Department to publish the documents. Supporters expect enough backing in the House, though the Senate remains uncertain. Trump must sign the measure if both chambers approve it.
Cross-Party Support Continues to Build
Democrats and several Republicans support the proposed legislation. Co-sponsor Thomas Massie says as many as 100 Republicans might vote in favour. The Epstein Files Transparency Act orders the release of all unclassified records linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump comments shortly after returning from Florida and highlights thousands of pages already released. He names several prominent Democrats and notes that the House Oversight Committee may access all legally available information. He urges Republicans to “stay on track.”
Renewed Attention on High-Profile Democrats
Trump references Bill Clinton after the Justice Department confirms new inquiries into Epstein’s ties with major banks and leading Democrats. Recent documents also mention Reid Hoffman and Larry Summers. A Summers representative said in 2023 that Summers regretted any contact after Epstein’s conviction. Hoffman insists he never served as a client and only assisted with fundraising for MIT. He urges Trump to approve the files’ release. Trump says he will ask Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI to examine Epstein’s connections to Clinton and others. Clinton denies any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
Fresh Document Waves Intensify the Dispute
Trump’s shift follows the release of three email exchanges by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. The emails involve Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Some messages mention Trump, including a 2011 note describing hours spent at Epstein’s home. Republicans respond with a release of 20,000 additional documents. They accuse Democrats of selecting material to harm Trump. The House then announces a vote on a broader release of Epstein-related files.
Republican Infighting Grows More Heated
Trump repeats his claim that the controversy reflects a politically motivated “hoax.” His remarks follow statements from the House speaker, who says a vote could settle speculation about Trump’s past ties. Meanwhile, Trump escalates a public feud with Marjorie Taylor Greene. He labels her “wacky” and later calls her a “traitor.” Greene questions whether Trump still puts the country first and criticizes his handling of the situation.
Survivors Urge Lawmakers to Act Transparently
Epstein survivors and the family of Virginia Giuffre urge Congress to support the release. They remind legislators of their duty to the public. Their letter asks elected officials to imagine similar harm affecting their own families. The writers warn that voters will remember each decision during the next election.
