Congress Orders Release of Epstein Files Amid Trump Reversal and Survivor Calls

In a historic bipartisan move, both chambers of the US Congress have ordered the Department of Justice to release its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, ending years of secrecy that shielded critical documents. The House of Representatives approved the measure overwhelmingly in a 427-1 vote, while the Senate fast-tracked it unanimously under a procedure known as unanimous consent.

The move comes after a surprising reversal by former President Donald Trump, who previously opposed the disclosure but now urged Congress to release the records, asserting there was “nothing to hide.” Trump’s shift follows intense public pressure and renewed scrutiny after over 20,000 pages of previously released documents referenced his name.

Bipartisan Efforts and Legislative Details

The legislation, introduced by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democrat Ro Khanna of California, mandates that Attorney General Pam Bondi release all unclassified records, communications, and investigative materials related to Epstein and his co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell, within 30 days of the law’s enactment. The bill grants discretion to withhold information that might compromise active investigations or reveal victims’ identities.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had previously labeled the push as a “Democrat hoax,” voted in favor of the release, highlighting the surprising rifts among Republicans. The only House objection came from Louisiana Republican Clay Higgins, who expressed concern about “innocent people being hurt” by disclosure.

Trump’s Connections and Public Reaction

Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with a history of sex trafficking minors, died in his New York jail cell in 2019 in what officials ruled a suicide. Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. The documents expected for release include internal DOJ communications, flight logs, and information about individuals and entities connected to Epstein, some of which have previously mentioned Trump.

Previously released emails include one from 2011 in which Epstein referred to Trump in connection with Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre, who died in April 2025, had maintained that she never witnessed Trump participating in abuse, and there is no indication of wrongdoing on his part. Her brother, Sky Roberts, lauded her role in advocating for survivors, stating, “She paved the way for us to come forward as advocates.”

Survivor Voices and Advocacy

Epstein survivors, including Annie Farmer, have long called for transparency, describing the withholding of information as “institutional betrayal.” Farmer emphasized that the failure to properly investigate Epstein’s crimes allowed more women and girls to be harmed, highlighting the ongoing societal need for accountability.

House Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also emerged as a vocal advocate for survivors, criticizing Trump’s prior stance and urging immediate release of all files. She labeled the withholding of records one of the most destructive issues to the MAGA movement since Trump’s 2016 election.

The release of Epstein files represents a watershed moment for transparency in high-profile criminal cases, holding public figures accountable and amplifying survivors’ voices. With DOJ preparations underway, the files are expected to shed light on previously undisclosed interactions, provide insights into Epstein’s operations, and ensure survivors’ testimonies gain the visibility they deserve.

The public disclosure will likely reignite national conversations about institutional oversight, political influence, and the importance of legal accountability for powerful individuals. As the files reach the public domain, they may also influence ongoing debates about political transparency, justice for victims, and the societal impact of shielding influential offenders.