Trump's Reversal: Calls for Release of Epstein Files

Fri Dec 05 2025 08:22:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a notable shift, President Trump urges House Republicans to vote in favor of releasing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, asserting transparency.

US President Donald Trump has shifted his stance, urging House Republicans to vote for the release of files concerning the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. This comes as part of an ongoing debate within the party, with potential support for a bill demanding full transparency on Epstein's connections to numerous influencers, including Trump's own noted history with Epstein. Trump's previous dismissals of the files as a distraction seem to have changed, raising questions about political motivations amid upcoming elections.

US President Donald Trump has urged lawmakers in his own party to vote to release files relating to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump wrote on Sunday night that Republicans in the House of Representatives should do so because we have nothing to hide.

This marks a striking reversal for Trump after weeks of labeling the push for a vote on the release of Epstein’s files as a Democratic distraction. House Democrats have been gradually disclosing documents regarding Epstein, many of which reference Trump, who has consistently denied any link to Epstein's actions.

Details regarding Trump’s past relationship with Epstein have sparked speculation and even a public spat with one of Trump's longstanding supporters. Now, several Republicans have indicated willingness to support a bill aimed at compelling the US government to disclose all documents linked to Epstein. Supporters of the bill seem confident in their numbers to pass it this week in the House, although its fate in the Senate remains uncertain.

Epstein was found dead in a New York prison cell in 2019 amidst a sex trafficking investigation. His case has generated a large amount of documentation, including testimonies and evidence linked to his numerous high-profile connections. In recent interactions, Trump had dismissed the calls for releasing more documents despite the insistence of his supporters and associates, suggesting they detracted from other priorities of his administration.

However, following the release of emails linking Epstein to other prominent figures, including insinuations of Trump’s involvement, there appears to be a shift in strategy. House Republicans swiftly released a significant number of documents aiming to counter what they term a partisan narrative against Trump.

Congressman Glenn Grothman suggested that Trump may prefer to let the media cover the Epstein files to avoid further speculation, as many in Congress call for full transparency regarding Epstein’s associations. This debate escalates as Trump faces internal dissent, even from supporters, questioning his commitment to party values amidst the ongoing discussions around the Epstein files.