U.S. President Donald Trump has reversed his earlier stance on the release of government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, now urging House Republicans to vote in favor of making the documents public. The sudden shift comes after weeks of internal debate within the Republican Party and growing bipartisan support for the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bill that would require the Justice Department to declassify and release documents connected to Epstein. Trump, who had previously dismissed calls for the files’ release, took to his Truth Social platform to declare that Republicans should support the vote, stating that he “doesn’t care” about the outcome but believes the party must “get back on point” and remove distractions created by Democrats. His comments also framed the controversy as a political attack intended to undermine recent GOP accomplishments.
The reversal appears influenced by increasing pressure from Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, who suggested that releasing the files could help settle doubts and conspiracy theories surrounding high-profile political figures. Several GOP lawmakers have also indicated they would support full disclosure, pointing to the need for transparency and closure for Epstein’s victims. Democratic lawmakers, including Ro Khanna, have welcomed Trump’s new position and expect significant Republican backing in the upcoming House vote. However, others within Trump’s own party remain cautious, questioning his motives and warning that political maneuvering may still shape how much information ultimately becomes public.
Despite Trump’s support, the future of the legislation remains unclear. Even if the bill passes the House, its success in the Senate is uncertain, leaving open questions about how much of the government’s Epstein-related information will actually be released. Advocates for survivors fear the files could still undergo heavy redactions, potentially limiting the impact of the disclosures. Trump, meanwhile, continues to deny any significant connection to Epstein, repeating that the two had a falling out long before the financier’s legal troubles escalated. As the debate intensifies, the coming vote is expected to test both the unity of the Republican Party and the extent of its commitment to transparency on one of the most controversial issues in recent political history.