US President Donald Trump has signed legislation requiring the Justice Department to release all files from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. The move, which reverses his previous opposition, follows overwhelming congressional support and could unveil new details about Epstein’s extensive network of associates.
Trump announced the signing on Wednesday in a post on Truth Social, where he accused Democrats of championing the issue to distract from his administration’s achievements. The bill mandates that Attorney General Pam Bondi disclose all unclassified records, communications, and investigative materials related to Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. This includes transcripts of interviews with victims and witnesses, items seized in raids, internal DOJ communications, flight logs, and information on people and entities connected to Epstein.
The legislation passed with near-unanimous support in Congress, reflecting bipartisan demand for transparency. The House of Representatives approved it with a 427-1 vote, while the Senate gave unanimous consent, sending the bill to Trump for his signature. Previously, Trump had opposed releasing the files, but he changed course last week after facing pushback from Epstein’s victims and members of his own Republican Party.
In his statements, Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein and emphasized that the financier was associated with Democrats. He described the issue as a ‘Democrat problem,’ seeking to shift blame away from his party. Epstein, who was charged by the Trump Justice Department in 2019, was a lifelong Democrat donor, according to Trump’s assertions.
The files subject to release are from criminal investigations into Epstein, who was convicted of sex trafficking and found dead in his New York prison cell in 2019 in what was ruled a suicide. His case has garnered intense public interest due to his ties with high-profile figures, including Trump, former Prince Andrew, and various media and political personalities. Recent revelations, such as email exchanges between Epstein and former Harvard president Larry Summers, have kept the story in the headlines.
Attorney General Bondi is required to release the materials within 30 days of the law’s enactment, but the bill allows for portions to be withheld if they invade personal privacy, relate to active investigations, or could identify victims. This has raised concerns among some lawmakers, like Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who worry that new investigations might be used as a pretext to redact sensitive information.
The release of the Epstein files is expected to provide deeper insights into the scope of his activities and his connections. It represents a significant step towards accountability for victims and could influence public perception of the individuals involved. However, the potential for redactions means that not all details may come to light immediately.
As the Justice Department prepares to comply with the deadline, the focus will be on how much information is disclosed and its impact on ongoing legal and political discussions. This development underscores the enduring fascination with the Epstein case and its implications for justice and transparency in high-profile investigations.
