President Donald Trump has announced his approval of a bill mandating the release of government documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking a significant development in a prolonged struggle over these records.
The Justice Department is now required to publicly disclose all information from federal investigations into Epstein within 30 days. However, it retains the right to withhold documents that pertain to ongoing criminal investigations or that are considered to infringe on personal privacy.
In a notable change of stance, Trump reversed his earlier opposition to the bill last weekend, following pressure from Epstein’s victims and members of his own Republican Party.
With Trump’s backing, the resolution passed overwhelmingly in both houses of Congress.
Previously, Trump had downplayed the necessity of releasing the documents, labeling it a “hoax” orchestrated by Democrats to distract from his party’s efforts. This view had shifted from his earlier position as the 2024 election approached.
“Perhaps the truth about these Democrats and their connections to Jeffrey Epstein will soon come to light, as I have just signed the bill to release the files!” he stated.
Although a congressional vote was not necessary for the release, Trump could have unilaterally ordered it, lawmakers in the House approved the legislation with a vote of 427-1. The Senate quickly consented to the bill upon its arrival, sending it to Trump for his signature.
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The sole dissenting vote in the House came from Louisiana Republican Clay Higgins, who expressed concerns about the potential for the release of information that could endanger “thousands of innocent people” who may have spoken to investigators regarding allegations against Epstein.
Under the newly signed law, Attorney General Pam Bondi is required to release the documents within 30 days.
The documents to be released include materials from criminal investigations into Epstein, such as transcripts of interviews with victims and witnesses, as well as items seized during property raids. These materials will encompass internal communications from the Justice Department, flight logs, and connections to the deceased financier.
The resolution permits the Justice Department to withhold any documents related to ongoing criminal investigations. Following the release of estate documents last week, Trump indicated he would ask Bondi to investigate Epstein’s associations with individuals who had reportedly communicated with him. Bondi responded by stating that the Justice Department “will pursue this with urgency and integrity.”
One of the bill’s sponsors, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, expressed concern that the initiative might result in some federal files being kept from the public.
“I’m worried that Trump is initiating a series of investigations, and I fear they may use those investigations as a reason not to release the files. That’s my concern,” he remarked.
