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Trump calls on GOP to back Epstein documents release
President Donald Trump urged Republican lawmakers on Sunday to support legislation releasing government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, marking a reversal of his earlier opposition. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared Republicans should vote for transparency "because we have nothing to hide," despite previously dismissing calls to disclose the records as a Democratic "hoax."
Shift follows Democratic releases and internal GOP divisions
The president's change comes as House Democrats selectively published emails-including exchanges between Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell-some of which mention Trump. One 2011 message from Epstein to Maxwell referenced an unnamed victim spending time with Trump at Epstein's residence. The White House later identified the individual as Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser, though the emails contain no allegations of wrongdoing by Trump.
Hours after the Democratic release, House Republicans countered by publishing 20,000 files, accusing Democrats of "cherry-picking" documents to target Trump. The move underscores growing GOP fractures: up to 100 Republicans may now back the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would compel the Justice Department to release all unclassified records tied to Epstein's crimes.
Legislative momentum and survivor appeals
The bill appears likely to pass the House this week, though its Senate fate remains uncertain. If approved, Trump would need to sign it into law. Supporters include Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, who told ABC News the measure aims to "force full transparency" on Epstein's network, which ensnared politicians, financiers, and academics.
Survivors and Giuffre's family penned an open letter to Congress, framing the vote as a moral test: "Imagine if your own child were preyed upon. What would you want?" The plea adds pressure as both parties grapple with the political fallout.
"Trump has clean hands. He's not worried about it. He's frustrated that they're turning it into a political issue."
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), in a Fox News interview
Public feud with Greene and DOJ probe
Trump's pivot has sparked a rare clash with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), a staunch ally. After she accused him of abandoning "America First," Trump labeled her "wacky" and a "traitor," suggesting her 2026 primary challenge. Greene fired back, claiming Trump sought to "intimidate" Republicans into opposing the bill.
Meanwhile, the Justice Department confirmed it is investigating Epstein's ties to major banks and high-profile Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton-who denies knowledge of Epstein's crimes. Recently released files also name LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and ex-Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, both of whom have distanced themselves from Epstein post-conviction.
Key figures in the Epstein network
- Jeffrey Epstein: Financier convicted of sex trafficking; died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on new charges.
- Ghislaine Maxwell: Epstein's associate, serving 20 years for sex trafficking.
- Virginia Giuffre: Epstein accuser who settled a 2022 lawsuit against Prince Andrew.
What's next
The House vote, expected this week, will test GOP unity. If the bill clears Congress, Trump's signature-or veto-will determine whether thousands of pages, including FBI interviews and grand jury materials, become public. The Justice Department's parallel probe into Epstein's financial and political connections adds another layer to the unfolding scandal.
