Trump Shifts Stance, Urges Republicans to Support Epstein Document Release

Tue Nov 18 2025 02:05:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a surprising political shift, US President Donald Trump has called on House Republicans to vote in favor of releasing Jeffrey Epstein's files, arguing there is nothing to hide, amidst mounting pressure from both sides of the aisle.

President Trump has publicly urged Republicans to back the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, countering previous claims that such a move was merely a Democratic diversion. This change comes after a series of emails were released linking Epstein to key figures, escalating pressure on both parties to act. The Epstein Files Transparency Act aims to compel the release of all government documents pertaining to the notorious financier's criminal activities, with potential bipartisan support expected in the House.

US President Donald Trump has urged lawmakers in his own party to vote to release files relating to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump wrote on Sunday night that Republicans in the House of Representatives should do so because we have nothing to hide. This is a striking reversal for Trump after weeks of asserting that the clamour for a vote on the release was a Democratic-driven distraction.

Recently, House Democrats have gradually released documents concerning Epstein, some referencing Trump, who has consistently denied any connection to Epstein’s sex abuse and trafficking. Meanwhile, a growing number of Republicans have expressed willingness to support a bill that would mandate the US government to disclose all its documents on Epstein. Supporters suggest that they may have enough votes to pass the bill through the House, although its future in the Senate remains uncertain.

Epstein was found dead in his New York jail cell in 2019, and a coroner ruled it a suicide. He was facing charges of sex trafficking after being previously convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008. The investigations into Epstein led to a significant amount of documentation, including witness interviews and evidence seized from his properties, which have not yet been made public. This collection is known as the Epstein files.

Despite initially dismissing the need to release more information—calling it a Democrat-led hoax—Trump appears to now see the potential release as a means to quell speculation and distract from other political matters. Representative Thomas Massie, a co-sponsor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, emphasized bipartisan support for the legislation, which seeks to compel the justice department to make all unclassified records related to Epstein available to the public.

In a letter urging the release of files, Epstein survivors and victims' families appealed to lawmakers by invoking the duty they have towards their constituents, asking Congress to consider the impact of their decisions on future generations.

As discussions evolve, Trump's latest stance has incited tensions within the GOP, especially with some of his key supporters, raising questions about his influence and strategy moving forward.