Trump Marks a Clear Break From His Earlier Position
Donald Trump now urges House Republicans to vote for the release of the Epstein documents. He states on Truth Social that his party has “nothing to hide.” His shift comes as many Republicans signal they may join Democrats. The House plans a vote this week on a bill requiring the Justice Department to publish the files. Supporters expect enough votes in the House, though the Senate outcome remains uncertain. Trump must approve the bill if both chambers pass it.
Broadening Support Across the Political Spectrum
Democrats and several Republicans back the proposal. Co-sponsor Thomas Massie predicts that up to 100 Republicans could support it. The Epstein Files Transparency Act orders the release of all unclassified records tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump comments after returning from Florida and highlights thousands of pages already released. He names several prominent Democrats and stresses that the House Oversight Committee may access all legally allowed documents. He urges Republicans to “stay on point.”
High-Profile Democrats Face Renewed Scrutiny
Trump mentions Bill Clinton after the Justice Department confirms new inquiries into Epstein’s ties with major banks and influential Democrats. Recent releases also reference Reid Hoffman and Larry Summers. A Summers representative said in 2023 that Summers regretted any contact after Epstein’s conviction. Hoffman says he never acted as a client and only raised funds for MIT. He presses Trump to support the files’ release. Trump says he will ask Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI to review Epstein’s connections to Clinton and others. Clinton firmly denies any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
New Document Troves Intensify the Partisan Clash
Trump’s reversal follows the release of three email exchanges published by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. The emails involve Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Some messages mention Trump, including one from 2011 describing hours spent at Epstein’s home. Republicans answer with a release of 20,000 additional documents. They accuse Democrats of selecting material to damage Trump. The House then schedules a vote on a broader release of Epstein-related files.
Internal GOP Tensions Continue to Rise
Trump repeats his claim that the dispute reflects a politically driven “hoax.” His comments follow remarks by the House speaker, who says a vote could settle questions about Trump’s past ties. Meanwhile, Trump intensifies a public fight with Marjorie Taylor Greene. He calls her “wacky” and later labels her a “traitor.” Greene questions whether Trump still puts the country first and criticizes his handling of the matter.
Survivors Appeal for Complete Transparency
Epstein survivors and the family of Virginia Giuffre urge lawmakers to vote for full disclosure. They remind Congress of its duty to the public. Their letter asks elected officials to imagine similar harm affecting their own relatives. The writers warn that voters will remember each decision when the next election arrives.
