Trump signs law ordering rapid release of records
Donald Trump says he has signed a law that forces the Justice Department to release all federal records linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The law sets a 30-day deadline, though officials may withhold details that harm active investigations or violate personal privacy. With Trump’s support, the bill passes both chambers with overwhelming approval. Trump changes his stance after pressure from survivors and members of his own party. He had earlier dismissed the plan as a partisan distraction before reversing course. He now argues the files may reveal information about Democratic figures and highlights his role in approving the measure.
Congress backs the measure with near-unanimous support
Congress does not need to vote to release the files, since Trump could have ordered disclosure on his own. Lawmakers still choose to move the bill forward. The House supports it by 427 to 1. The Senate approves it without objection. The files include criminal investigation records, interview transcripts, seized materials, and internal Justice Department messages. They also contain flight logs and links to individuals and organisations tied to Epstein. These files differ from the 20,000 pages released last week from Epstein’s estate. Those documents include 2018 messages in which Epstein says he can “take down” Trump and claims he knows “how dirty donald is.” Trump and Epstein were close for years. Trump says they fell out in the early 2000s and denies any wrongdoing.
Survivors welcome the law and call for full access
Survivors praise the move. The family of Virginia Giuffre calls the decision “nothing short of monumental.” They insist every name must be revealed, regardless of wealth or influence. They say their work continues until full transparency is achieved. Epstein dies in 2019 in a New York jail cell. A coroner rules his death a suicide. He faces sex-trafficking charges at the time and has a prior conviction from 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Epstein maintains ties to many high-profile figures in politics, finance, and media.
New scrutiny falls on prominent figures linked to Epstein
Former Harvard president Larry Summers steps away from teaching on Wednesday. The university reviews his ties to Epstein after friendly emails surface. Attorney General Pam Bondi must release all unclassified records tied to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days of the law’s enactment. Maxwell serves a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Officials may still withhold details that harm ongoing investigations or expose victims. Congressman Thomas Massie warns that new probes may delay disclosure. He fears officials may use them to justify keeping files sealed.
