US President Donald Trump has signed a bill ordering the justice department to release all its files from its investigation into convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The legislation, which calls for the release of the files in a searchable and downloadable format within 30 days, was approved overwhelmingly in both chambers of Congress, the House of Representatives and Senate, on Tuesday.
Trump then announced on his Truth Social platform that he had signed it on Wednesday, starting the clock on release of the files. Under pressure from Epstein's victims and rank-and-file Republicans, Trump on Sunday made a major reversal in his stance on the files and gave his blessing to passing the legislation. For months, he had resisted unsealing many documents from the federal investigation into the late financier.
Congress' lower chamber began debating the measure on Tuesday morning and voted within hours. Several of Epstein's victims spent the day on Capitol Hill advocating for the bill's passage. Nearly all House lawmakers voted in favour of the resolution, which passed 427-1, with only one Republican voting against it. The Senate then passed the resolution.
The House Oversight Committee has already made public thousands of documents from the Epstein estate relating to the late financier, but the resolution covers material currently in the possession of the justice department. Those records could, in theory, include files about imprisoned Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as figures - including government officials - mentioned in the case.
The justice department now has 30 days to release its materials on Epstein. However, the House bill stipulates that the justice department can withhold any documents that jeopardise an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution, which could potentially lead to delays. For those who have campaigned for the release of the files, anything short of full disclosure is likely to spark further questions and even outrage.
In addition to possible delays, the public is also likely to see lots of redactions in any release of new Epstein documents. Privacy measures within the bill allow the attorney general to withhold or redact records that include victims' names, medical files, and other personal information. While transparency is sought, many survivors may find it challenging to relive their experiences through media coverage. Attorney General Pam Bondi has stated that they aim to follow the law with maximum transparency while protecting victims.
