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A protester displays a sign advocating for the release of Jeffrey Epstein case files outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on November 12, 2025. — Reuters
– Trump changes position, endorses the publication of Epstein files.
– House plans to vote on Epstein document release on Tuesday.
– Democrats assert the release contains genuine DOJ records, not hoaxes.
The GOP-led U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote Tuesday on whether to publish investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with approval almost certain following President Donald Trump’s recent reversal of his earlier opposition.
Trump’s shift came just days after a House petition gained enough support to prompt the vote—a rare move where House Republicans defy the president’s wishes.
Until recently, Trump and his team had actively sought to block further disclosure of files from the Department of Justice’s investigation into Epstein, a wealthy New York financier once connected to Trump.
In a social media post Sunday, Trump urged House members to approve the release, stating, “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files because we have nothing to hide,” labeling the effort a “hoax” pushed by Democrats.
Democrats, along with some of Trump’s supporters, argue that there’s no hoax—only authentic records from the Justice Department. Epstein had been convicted of sex abuse and trafficking charges involving underage girls, and died by suicide in a Manhattan federal jail in 2019, shortly after facing new federal charges for sex trafficking minors.
Democrat Robert Garcia of California, the senior Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, criticized Trump’s earlier efforts to block the investigation, suggesting his recent change reflects panic and an awareness that he might lose the vote.
Trump’s change was attributed to frustration with Republican focus on Epstein’s files, with some officials saying he wanted the Congress to concentrate on pressing issues like cost of living.
House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated the upcoming vote might help clear Trump’s name concerning Epstein, emphasizing a goal to protect victims’ identities, allowing DOJ to redact personal information when necessary. Johnson also anticipated the vote would be Tuesday afternoon.
Supporters argue that transparency is the main concern, with some noting that the House resolution permits the DOJ to hide victims’ identities. Republican Thomas Massie, who has been advocating for releasing the files, believes the measure will likely pass, possibly unanimously.
If approved by the Senate, the bill would proceed to Trump for signing. Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office has yet to comment.
Although Trump previously mingled socially with Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s, he claims their friendship ended years ago and denies any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. He attributes ongoing accusations to political enemies seeking to tarnish him.
Recently, emails surfaced in which Epstein purportedly claimed Trump “knew about the girls,” though their significance remains unclear. The White House insists these emails do not prove wrongdoing.
Trump has also directed the DOJ to explore links between Epstein and prominent Democrats, with Attorney General Pam Bondi responding that her office is on it, despite previous statements indicating no new leads. Many Trump supporters suspect some documents are being withheld to shield powerful figures connected to Epstein from scrutiny.
This tension with some Republican allies, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, has escalated, with Trump publicly criticizing her for her persistent critique of how the party has handled the Epstein matter.
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