Trump to Sign Bill Compelling Release of Further Jeffrey Epstein Files
Donald Trump is expected to sign legislation requiring teh Justice Department to release more documents related to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The bill passed both the House and Senate after overcoming initial resistance, and comes after years of calls for greater openness surrounding Epstein’s crimes and his network of associates.
The former president initially downplayed the need for the bill, stating “we have nothing to hide” and dismissing the effort as a “democrat Hoax” intended to distract from Republican successes.Though, after signaling his approval, Republican lawmakers swiftly moved the bill through Congress. Speaker Mike Johnson had previously stalled the legislation for months, and expressed hope the Senate would amend it – a hope that went unrealized.
The Justice Department has previously stated it has already released all non-restricted documents pertaining to Epstein, citing the need to protect ongoing investigations and the privacy of victims. A July memo from the department explained that much of the remaining material is sealed by court order specifically to safeguard victims, and wouldn’t have been publicly available even if Epstein had gone to trial.
The new bill mandates the Attorney General release all unclassified epstein-related documents in a searchable and downloadable format within 30 days. This includes investigations into Epstein and his associate Ghislaine maxwell, flight logs, travel records, details on individuals and entities connected to his crimes, records of immunity deals and plea agreements, internal communications regarding charging decisions, documentation of Epstein’s detention and death, and facts regarding any file deletions.
Exceptions are permitted for redactions protecting victim identities,depictions of child sexual abuse,materials that could compromise active investigations,and depictions of death or abuse.
Previously released documents, made public by members of Congress, have shed light on Epstein’s relationships with prominent figures, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and writer Michael Wolff. These documents reveal Trump’s name appears in some of the released materials, though their presence does not indicate any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activity.
Notably, emails released by the House oversight committee show Epstein frequently discussed Trump, often in a negative light. In one email to Wolff, Epstein claimed Trump was aware of Epstein’s relationships with young women, stating Trump had asked Maxwell to “stop.” He also referred to Trump as “the dog that hasn’t barked” and described him as “None as bad as Trump. Not one decent cell in his body.”
