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Trump authorizes release of Epstein case documents after congressional approval
U.S. President Donald Trump signed legislation on Wednesday directing the Department of Justice to disclose all non-classified records from its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days, though exemptions may apply for active probes or privacy concerns.
The measure passed overwhelmingly in both the House of Representatives (427-1) and Senate (unanimous consent) on Tuesday, despite Trump's earlier resistance. The president had previously dismissed calls for transparency as a "Democrat-led hoax" but reversed course last week amid pressure from Epstein's victims and fellow Republicans.
"Perhaps the truth about these Democrats, and their associations with Jeffrey Epstein, will soon be revealed, because I HAVE JUST SIGNED THE BILL TO RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES!"
Donald Trump, via social media
Scope of the files
The documents subject to release include criminal investigation transcripts, witness interviews, evidence seized during property raids, internal Justice Department communications, and flight logs. These differ from the 20,000+ pages of Epstein's estate records-some mentioning Trump-published by Congress last week.
Among those files were 2018 messages where Epstein claimed, "I am the one able to take him down" and "I know how dirty Donald is." Trump, who acknowledged a past friendship with Epstein, has denied any misconduct and insisted Republicans had "nothing to do with Epstein," calling it "a Democrat problem."
Victims' families react
The family of Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide earlier this year, called the bill's signing "nothing short of monumental" in a statement. Her relatives, Sky and Amanda Roberts, emphasized the need for full accountability:
"Every name must be revealed, regardless of power, wealth, or party affiliation."
Sky and Amanda Roberts, family of Virginia Giuffre
Legal constraints and oversight
Attorney General Pam Bondi must release all unclassified materials but may redact content tied to active investigations or privacy protections. The law explicitly permits withholding details that could compromise federal probes or identify victims.
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, a co-sponsor, warned of potential delays: "I'm concerned [Trump] may use new investigations to justify withholding files."
Broader fallout
Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had connections to prominent figures, including Prince Andrew, former Trump advisor Steve Bannon, and ex-Harvard president Larry Summers. Summers stepped aside this week pending a review of his email exchanges with Epstein.
Epstein's former associate Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.
