Trump approves measure demanding fast release
Donald Trump announces he has signed a law that forces the Justice Department to release all federal records tied to Jeffrey Epstein. The law sets a 30-day deadline, though officials may withhold parts that affect active investigations or invade personal privacy. With Trump’s backing, the bill moves through both chambers with overwhelming support. Trump reverses his stance after strong pressure from survivors and members of his own party. He had previously dismissed the plan as a partisan distraction before changing course. He now claims the documents may expose information about Democratic figures and emphasises his role in advancing the measure.
Congress moves the bill with near-total agreement
A vote from Congress was not required, since Trump could have ordered the release himself. Lawmakers still push the bill forward. The House passes it by 427 to 1. The Senate approves it without objection. The files include criminal investigation records, interview transcripts, seized items, and internal Justice Department messages. They also include flight logs and links to people and organisations associated with Epstein. These materials differ from the 20,000 pages released last week from Epstein’s estate. Those documents include 2018 messages in which Epstein claims he can “take down” Trump and says 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 decision and call for openness
Survivors applaud the move. The family of Virginia Giuffre calls the law “nothing short of monumental.” They insist that every name must be revealed, regardless of influence or wealth. They say the work continues until full transparency is reached. 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.
Prominent figures face renewed scrutiny over Epstein ties
Former Harvard president Larry Summers steps aside from teaching on Wednesday. The university reviews his relationship with Epstein after friendly emails appear. Attorney General Pam Bondi must release all unclassified records linked 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 parts that harm ongoing investigations or expose victims. Congressman Thomas Massie warns that new probes may delay disclosure. He fears officials may use them as grounds to keep files sealed.
