WASHINGTON (FN) — President Donald Trump has reversed his prior position and urged House Republicans to vote in favor of releasing documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — a move that marks a sharp break from his previous opposition.
The Epstein Files encompass the trove of court documents, investigative reports, and legal filings exposing Jeffrey Epstein’s extensive sexual abuse and trafficking network, implicating numerous high-profile figures. The files have drawn attention at the highest levels of U.S. government, with former President Donald Trump initially opposing their public release, reportedly citing concerns over privacy, ongoing investigations, and potential political fallout. Critics argue that this resistance delayed public scrutiny of Epstein’s connections, especially to the President, and hindered accountability, highlighting the tension between political interests and the pursuit of justice.
Trump made the call for the release of the files in a post on his Truth Social platform, writing, “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide.” He framed his reversal as shedding a “Democrat Hoax,” accusing political opponents of using the Epstein controversy to distract from his party’s achievements.
Previously, Trump had actively resisted efforts to force the release of the files. According to reports, he lobbied against Republican lawmakers who supported the measure. Now, however, facing mounting pressure and signs that the vote could pass, he appears to be recalibrating.
The proposed legislation would require the U.S. Department of Justice to disclose a broad cache of Epstein-related documents, including internal communications and case files. Though some redactions would be permitted to protect sensitive information — such as victims’ identities or ongoing investigations — supporters argue the public deserves greater transparency.
Trump’s shift comes amid a fierce fight within the Republican Party. Some of his allies — including Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who previously backed the release push — have clashed with him over the issue. Several Republicans, such as Rep. Thomas Massie, have led a discharge petition to force a floor vote, indicating there may be enough support to get the measure passed in the House.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a close Trump ally, has also voiced his support for releasing the files. He said doing so would “put to rest allegations” linking Trump to Epstein’s crimes and insisted there is “nothing to hide.”
Public reaction to Trump’s reversal is mixed: victims’ advocates are calling it a long-overdue step toward accountability, while some conservative commentators view it as a pragmatic acknowledgment of political reality.
Legal analysts suggest the outcome could be significant. If passed, the bill might expose connections between Epstein and high-profile figures. But they also warn that excessive redaction could limit the measure’s effectiveness.
On the international stage, the controversy underscores global debates over elite accountability, transparency, and the balance of power in democracies. Epstein’s case has always drawn significant attention beyond U.S. borders — and this development may further intensify calls for full disclosure.
As the House gears up for a vote, all eyes will be on how many Republicans break ranks, whether the Senate picks up the issue, and whether the documents released shed new light on Epstein’s network.
