Trump Signs Bill Mandating Release of Epstein Files, Despite Prior Resistance
WASHINGTON – President Trump signed into law Wednesday legislation requiring the Justice Department to release all unclassified documents related to its investigation into sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move comes after months of resistance from the President, who reversed course under pressure from within his own party.
Trump announced the signing in a social media post, focusing on potential revelations about Democrats linked to Epstein – a tactic he has repeatedly employed while downplaying connections involving himself and other Republicans. “Perhaps the truth about these Democrats and their associations with Jeffrey Epstein, will soon be revealed, but I HAVE JUST SIGNED THE BILL TO RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES!” he wrote.
the new law compels Attorney General Pam Bondi to make available “all unclassified records, documents, communications and investigative materials” held by the Department of justice within 30 days.
The bill’s passage marks a important shift for Trump,who previously worked to block the release of the files.While the Senate and House overwhelmingly approved the legislation following his weekend call for support, some lawmakers remain skeptical about full openness.
“The real test will be, will the Department of justice release the files or will it all remain tied up in investigations?” questioned Rep. marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who, along with a small group of GOP members, helped force the bill to a vote despite Trump’s initial objections.
The legislation specifically prohibits withholding information based on “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.” However, carve-outs allow for the protection of victim identities and depictions of child sexual abuse materials, as well as information that could jeopardize active investigations, provided any withholding is narrowly tailored and temporary.
The Justice Department, under Bondi’s direction, recently launched another investigation into Epstein’s connections following “new information” surfacing. Bondi stated the department would pursue this investigation with “urgency and integrity,” but did not elaborate on how it might impact the file release.
previously,a Justice department review concluded there was insufficient evidence to investigate uncharged third parties in the Epstein case.
Bondi affirmed the department’s commitment to complying with the law, stating they would “follow the law with maximum transparency while protecting victims.” Whether the full scope of the Epstein files will be released within the 30-day timeframe remains to be seen.
