A Sharp Turn in Trump’s Messaging
Donald Trump now urges House Republicans to vote for the release of the Epstein records. He writes on Truth Social that his party has “nothing to hide.” His shift comes as many Republicans prepare to side with Democrats. The House plans a vote this week on a bill that would force the Justice Department to publish the documents. Supporters expect enough votes in the House, but the Senate outcome remains uncertain. Trump must sign the measure if both chambers approve it.
Bipartisan Support Gains Strength
Democrats and several Republicans support the legislation. Co-sponsor Thomas Massie says as many as 100 Republicans could vote in favour. The proposal, known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, orders the release of all unclassified materials linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump comments after returning from Florida and points to thousands of pages already made public. He names several prominent Democrats and says the House Oversight Committee may access all legally available documents. He urges Republicans to “stay focused.”
Scrutiny Intensifies on High-Profile Democrats
Trump cites Bill Clinton after the Justice Department confirms new inquiries into Epstein’s ties with major banks and influential Democrats. Reid Hoffman and Larry Summers also appear in recent document releases. A Summers representative said in 2023 that he regretted any contact after Epstein’s conviction. Hoffman says he never acted as an Epstein client and only raised funds for MIT. He presses Trump to release the files. Trump says he will ask Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI to examine Epstein’s connections to Clinton and others. Clinton denies knowing about Epstein’s crimes.
Fresh Document Releases Fuel Political Fights
Trump’s reversal follows the publication of three email exchanges by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. The emails involve Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Some messages reference Trump. One 2011 email describes hours spent at Epstein’s home. Republicans respond within hours by releasing 20,000 additional documents. They accuse Democrats of selecting information to damage Trump. The House then schedules a vote on a broader release of Epstein-related material.
Internal Republican Tensions Escalate
Trump repeats that the controversy reflects a politically driven “hoax.” His comments follow remarks by the House speaker, who says a vote could end speculation about Trump’s past ties. Meanwhile, Trump clashes publicly 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 approach to the files.
Survivors Appeal for Transparency
Survivors of Epstein and the family of Virginia Giuffre urge members of Congress to vote for disclosure. They remind lawmakers of their duty to their constituents. Their letter asks legislators to imagine such harm affecting their own families. The writers warn that voters will remember each lawmaker’s decision in the next election.
