In a surprising reversal, former President Donald Trump on Sunday urged House Republicans to vote to release Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein, signaling a retreat from his earlier opposition — just as his own party appeared poised to support the move.
“House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that “it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics.”
Rising Pressure Within the GOP
Trump’s shift comes amid mounting pressure from within his own party. A bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna, had secured enough support through a discharge petition to force a vote on legislation compelling the DOJ to release all Epstein-related documents, with allowances to redact sensitive material tied to victims.
Massie has warned that more than 40 Republicans could back the bill, and some speculated even 100 or more might defect from Trump-aligned leadership. The implication is clear: Trump’s previous resistance may no longer have the votes.
Party Rift and Personal Feuds
Trump’s reversal also underscores growing tension between him and some of his allies. Notably, his split with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has deepened. Greene, who had long been one of his staunchest supporters, signed onto the effort to release the Epstein files — and Trump responded by rescinding his support for her, even suggesting he might back a primary challenger in 2026.
The dispute has exposed a rare crack in Trump’s influence within the Republican Party, revealing how powerful the call for Epstein transparency has become, even among his base.
Strategic Calculus — or Damage Control?
Some analysts interpret Trump’s change of heart as a strategic acknowledgment: with so many Republicans ready to support the bill, opposing it would risk political fallout. By reversing, Trump positions himself as cooperative, while continuing to frame the issue as a partisan attack.
Still, he avoided conceding too much. He doubled down on his belief that Democrats are weaponizing Epstein’s case to distract from GOP achievements.
Meanwhile, the White House has reportedly instructed the Department of Justice to investigate prominent Democrats mentioned in the files, including former President Bill Clinton, highlighting how Trump continues to tie Epstein’s legacy to political opponents.
What Happens Next
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If the House passes the bill, the DOJ would be forced to release all communications and documents related to Epstein’s investigation — with redactions allowed only for the identities of victims or ongoing investigations.
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The Senate’s path remains uncertain, and it’s unclear whether the bill, if passed, could overcome a veto.
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Some Republicans see this moment as a test of transparency, while others warn it could expose politically damaging — if not personally incriminating — material.