The US president is now pushing members of his party in the lower chamber to back the release of federal records tied to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
In a late-night post on Sunday, Trump insisted that Republicans should approve the measure “because we have nothing to hide”.
This marks a sharp shift from his earlier stance, coming after a steady flow of disclosures released by Democratic lawmakers, some of which mention Trump, who has consistently rejected any association with Epstein’s criminal activities.
Renewed attention on past interactions between Epstein and several high-profile individuals has intensified public scrutiny and recently triggered a dispute involving one of Trump’s most loyal defenders.
A growing number of Republicans appear prepared to break from party leadership and vote for a proposal that would force the government to make every Epstein-related document in its possession public.
Supporters believe they have enough votes for the bill to clear the House in the coming days, although its chances in the Senate remain uncertain.
Epstein, a wealthy figure, died in a New York detention facility in 2019, with the death ruled a suicide. At the time, he was awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges and had previously pleaded guilty in 2008 to obtaining prostitution from a minor.
Trump echoed previous denials from his administration, characterizing renewed focus on the case as a Democrat-driven “hoax” meant to “deflect” attention from other matters.
He wrote that “The Department of Justice has already turned over tens of thousands of pages to the Public on ‘Epstein,’ are looking at various Democrat operatives (Bill Clinton, Reid Hoffman, Larry Summers, etc.) and their relationship to Epstein, and the House Oversight Committee can have whatever they are legally entitled to, I DON’T CARE!” and urged Republicans to “get BACK ON POINT”.
The top Republican in the House offered the same argument, accusing Democrats of using the push for disclosure as a strategic political tool.
According to him, “Trump has clean hands,” adding that the president has “nothing to do with this” and is annoyed that the issue is being politicized.
Upon returning to office, Trump had downplayed the need for further releases, even though many of his supporters and political allies have demanded full transparency.
Although Trump was photographed with Epstein years ago, he has repeatedly stated that he cut ties long before the 2008 conviction and had no knowledge of Epstein’s misconduct.
The president’s new stance emerged after Democratic members of a key oversight panel released three email chains, including messages between Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a lengthy sentence for sex trafficking.
Some of those messages mention Trump, including a 2011 email in which Epstein told Maxwell: “I want you to realize that that dog that hasn’t barked is Trump.. [VICTIM] spent hours at my house with him.”
A spokesperson confirmed that the individual referenced was Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser of Epstein.
The emails do not suggest that Trump engaged in any illegal behavior.
Soon after the release of those messages, House Republicans issued a massive batch of 20,000 additional files, arguing that Democrats were trying to “cherry-pick” information to “create a fake narrative to slander” Trump.
Lawmakers from both parties are now supporting legislation that would mandate the full release of all records. One Republican lawmaker backing the measure estimated that up to 100 members of his party might vote for it.
The proposal, called the Epstein Files Transparency Act, would require the Justice Department to publish every unclassified record, communication, and investigative document linked to Epstein.
If the bill clears both chambers, Trump would need to approve it.
In a written appeal to Congress, Epstein survivors and members of Giuffre’s family urged lawmakers to support the bill.
Their letter reads: “Remember that your primary duty is to your constituents. Look into the eyes of your children, your sisters, your mothers, and your aunts,” calling on lawmakers to imagine the situation from the perspective of victims. “When you vote, we will remember your decision at the ballot box.”
In recent days, Trump’s handling of the topic has sparked open conflict with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, typically one of his strongest backers.
On Friday, Trump publicly criticized her, labeling her “wacky” and a “traitor” and implying she should be removed from office in the next election cycle.
Greene countered by questioning whether Trump still prioritizes “America First” and accused him of trying to intimidate Republicans who intend to support the bill.
At the same time, the Justice Department has confirmed plans to examine Epstein’s alleged financial ties to major banking institutions and several Democratic political figures, including a former president who has rejected any awareness of Epstein’s offenses.
Documents from the latest release also included the names of two individuals previously linked to Epstein. One has said he regretted maintaining contact after Epstein’s conviction, while the other has claimed his involvement was limited to fundraising work for an academic institution.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
