President Donald Trump has publicly urged Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives to vote for the release of files concerning Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Trump's call comes as a shift from his previous position, stating that 'we have nothing to hide'. This move follows a series of document releases by House Democrats about Epstein, some of which mention Trump. The President has consistently refuted any connections to Epstein's criminal activities.
Reports suggest that multiple Republicans are now ready to support a bill that would mandate the US government to disclose all documents related to Epstein, including details of criminal investigations. Proponents of the bill believe they have the necessary votes to push it through the House this week, though its passage in the Senate remains doubtful. Epstein, who faced charges of sex trafficking in 2019, was found dead in his prison cell, which authorities ruled as suicide.
Despite Trump's dismissal of the ongoing focus on the Epstein files as a 'hoax' led by Democrats, he emphasized on his Truth social platform that the Department of Justice has already provided substantial documentation. He dismissed any personal concerns related to the files, urging Republicans to 'get BACK ON POINT'. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed Trump's stance, suggesting that the calls for releasing the documents are part of a Democratic strategy.
Trump's return to the presidential office has been marked by a reluctance to disclose additional documents, though this stance contrasts with demands from some of his supporters and allies. Although historically photographed with Epstein, Trump has claimed to have ended his association with the financier well before Epstein's 2008 conviction and maintained ignorance of his criminal engagements. This change in Trump's stance comes after Democrats released email exchanges linked to Epstein, some mentioning Trump, but without implicating any misconduct.
Upon the Democratic release of emails, including one where Epstein mentions Trump in a 2011 message to Ghislaine Maxwell, House Republicans published a more extensive set of documents. They argued this action was necessary to counteract perceived selective reporting by Democrats. The effort to release all related documents has found support among both Democrats and some Republicans. Republican Representative Thomas Massie, a bill co-sponsor, suggested that as many as 100 Republicans might vote in favor.