U.S. President Donald Trump signed legislation on Wednesday mandating the release of all files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The bill, which received overwhelming support in Congress, requires the Department of Justice to make all information from its Epstein investigation public.
Legislative Action
The legislation specifies that the Justice Department must release the files "in a searchable and downloadable format" within 30 days of the bill becoming law.
Both chambers of Congress passed the bill earlier in the week. The House of Representatives voted 427-1 in favor, while the Senate provided unanimous consent upon its arrival.
Presidential Stance and Statements
President Trump, who had previously expressed opposition to the release of certain Epstein files, reversed his position last week.
On Wednesday, in a post on Truth Social, President Trump stated, "I HAVE JUST SIGNED THE BILL TO RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES!" He also accused Democrats of promoting the issue as a diversion from his administration's accomplishments, adding, "Perhaps the truth about these Democrats, and their associations with Jeffrey Epstein, will soon be revealed."
Earlier in the week, speaking to reporters on Monday night, Trump asserted that Republicans "had nothing to do with Epstein," describing it as "really a Democrat problem" and claiming, "The Democrats were Epstein's friends, all of them."
Previously Released Information and Connections
Last week, approximately 20,000 pages of documents from Epstein's estate were released. These documents included references to President Trump.
Among the released materials were 2018 messages from Epstein, where he allegedly stated concerning Trump, "I am the one able to take him down" and "I know how dirty donald is."
President Trump has acknowledged a past friendship with Epstein but stated they ceased contact in the early 2000s, prior to Epstein's initial arrest. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Potential Withholdings
Despite the presidential signature, the complete release of all Epstein files is not guaranteed. The bill's text includes provisions allowing portions of the information to be withheld if they are deemed to invade personal privacy or are related to an active investigation.
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, an architect of the bill, expressed concerns regarding potential withholdings. He stated, "I'm concerned that [Trump is] opening a flurry of investigations, and I believe they may be trying to use those investigations as a predicate for not releasing the files. That's my concern."