Donald Trump sits in the Oval Office on Monday. The Guardian
Donald Trump signed a new bill on Wednesday that directs the US justice department to release remaining files connected to the late Jeffrey Epstein. The move came after steady political pressure from both Democrats and many conservatives who insisted the documents should be made public.
The decision marked a major shift for Trump. As president, he had the power to release the files but declined to do so at the time.
Democrats have pushed hard for the documents, hoping they may shed light on Trump’s past friendship with Epstein, who died in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges. Trump responded by pointing to Epstein’s links to well-known Democrats and suggesting the release could turn the spotlight on them as well.
After signing the bill, he wrote on Truth Social: “Perhaps the truth about these Democrats, and their associations with Jeffrey Epstein, will soon be revealed, because I HAVE JUST SIGNED THE BILL TO RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES!”
What the Bill Requires
The justice department now has 30 days to release a large collection of Epstein-related records. This includes materials connected to Epstein’s death inside a federal jail. The bill allows officials to hide details that would identify victims but blocks them from withholding documents to protect anyone from “embarrassment, reputational harm or political sensitivity.”
Trump’s stance on the issue shifted many times. During his campaign he promised to release the files. But once in office, he walked back the pledge and dismissed the idea as a “hoax.” In recent days, however, he changed course again, saying, “we have nothing to hide” and urging Republicans to support the bill.
Once he signalled approval, the remaining Republican holdouts in Congress quickly moved the bill through both chambers.
What Might Be Released
Earlier this year, the justice department said it had already released every document it could without revealing personal details about victims or harming active investigations. Many remaining materials remain under seal due to court orders that were designed to protect victims.
The new law lists a wide range of items the attorney general must release. These include:
- records on Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell
- flight logs and travel documents
- names of individuals connected to Epstein
- information about any financial or trafficking networks
- past immunity agreements or plea deals
- internal discussions about charges
- documents describing Epstein’s detention and death
- notes about any deleted files
The bill allows redactions only for limited reasons, such as protecting victims, preventing exposure of child abuse images, or avoiding harm to active cases.
Past Document Releases Reveal New Details
Lawmakers have already shared tens of thousands of documents. These materials revived questions about the wide network of high-profile people who interacted with Epstein, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and author Michael Wolff.
Trump’s name appears in several documents, though none of the mentions link him to Epstein’s crimes. One email from Epstein to Wolff said, “Of course, he knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop.” In another message, Epstein called Trump “the dog that hasn’t barked.”
Epstein also criticized Trump in other emails, writing, “None as bad as Trump. Not one decent cell in his body.”
The next 30 days will reveal how much more information remains behind sealed doors.
