A major transparency push in Washington has entered a new phase, but its future is still cloudy. Even if the House approves a measure demanding the release of all remaining federal records linked to Jeffrey Epstein, there is no guarantee the Senate will take action. And the final decision would still depend on President Donald Trump’s signature.
Trump Reverses Course After Weeks of Resistance
Late Sunday, Trump unexpectedly urged House Republicans to support the release of the Epstein documents. His comments marked a sharp turnaround after weeks of opposition. It seems that he had enough of this never ending case.
He wrote on social media that GOP lawmakers “should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide” adding that Democrats would have already published anything damaging before the 2024 election.
What the Bill Would Do
The proposal requires the Justice Department to hand over every unclassified document, message, and investigative record related to its Epstein probe.
But its path in the Senate is far from clear. Majority Leader John Thune has not indicated whether he will put the bill on the floor, and Majority Whip John Barrasso avoided taking a firm position during an interview on Meet the Press.
The White House also declined to say whether Trump would sign the bill, and Trump himself avoided commenting on whether he expects the Senate to vote.
Democrats Push Trump to Release the Files Immediately
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer responded quickly to Trump’s new stance, writing on X that the vote aims to “compel YOU to release them,” urging Trump to publish the documents without waiting for Congress.
Massie Predicts a Big GOP Break From Trump
Before Trump’s reversal, Rep. Thomas Massie, who co-authored the bill with Democrat Ro Khanna, said he believed “100 or more” Republicans could vote in favor.
He told ABC’s This Week that he hopes to build a veto-proof majority: “We could see a surge of Republicans join us.”
Epstein Survivors Increase Public Pressure
Survivors of Epstein’s abuse have become central voices in the debate. On Sunday night, a group representing survivors released a video urging Americans to call Congress and demand the release of the remaining files.
Khanna said lawmakers pushing for the measure will hold a press event Tuesday at the Capitol alongside survivors and have invited Trump to meet with them.
Trump’s Earlier Efforts to Block the Bill
Until Sunday, Trump had been pressuring Republicans to abandon the measure, even calling on the four GOP lawmakers who signed the discharge petition to remove their names.
Although he still insists Democrats are promoting a “hoax” around the Epstein documents, he said the focus has become a distraction for the GOP: “Republicans need to get BACK ON POINT,” he wrote.
Speaker Johnson Forced to Bring the Measure Forward
Speaker Mike Johnson had previously blocked the bill from reaching the floor, but after the discharge petition reached the required number of signatures, he announced that the House would vote.
Johnson attempted to downplay the bill by noting that the Republican-led Oversight Committee recently released more than 20,000 pages from the Epstein estate — including references to Trump — which he says exceeds what the petition demands.
Growing Rift Between Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene
Tensions between Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have escalated sharply. Their disagreements on foreign policy and health care had already strained the relationship, and last week Trump announced he would support a primary challenger against her.
Greene accused Trump of retaliating because she backed the push to release the documents, and the two exchanged personal attacks over the weekend.
On CNN’s State of the Union, Greene said she cannot understand Trump’s strong resistance, noting that survivors have told her directly that Trump “did nothing wrong.” Trump has denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes and has not been accused of participating in the sex-trafficking network.
Greene posted a letter from 27 Epstein survivors who thanked her for supporting the bill and offered their backing. She has also secured support from local GOP leaders in her district despite Trump’s call for a challenger.
Trump Demands New Investigation Into Epstein’s Other Ties
Trump has repeatedly argued that Epstein’s connections to other powerful figures deserve more scrutiny than his own past interactions with the financier.
At Trump’s request, the Justice Department launched a new investigation Friday, ordering prosecutors in Manhattan to examine Epstein’s relationships with several prominent Democrats and high-profile donors.
Legal experts have warned that this new inquiry could give the Justice Department an excuse to delay or restrict the release of the documents.
Greene Says She Still Wants Trump to Succeed
Despite their public feud, Greene said she still wants Trump “to succeed for the American people” and hopes they can repair their relationship.
She emphasized that the GOP must deliver on its promises — including full transparency regarding the remaining Epstein files.
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