Trump Urges Republicans to Release Jeffrey Epstein Files Amid Scrutiny

WASHINGTON, Nov 17, 2025 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Republican lawmakers to vote in favor of releasing documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, reversing his earlier stance on the issue. The call comes amid growing scrutiny over Epstein’s ties to prominent figures, including Trump, though the former president has consistently denied involvement in any illegal activities.

Trump wrote on Sunday night that Republicans in the House of Representatives should support the measure “because we have nothing to hide,” signaling a strategic shift as Democrats continue to release portions of previously withheld Epstein-related files.

The documents, gradually unveiled by House Democrats, reference Epstein’s interactions with high-profile individuals and have fueled public speculation about past relationships, prompting intense media coverage and political debate.

Trump’s supporters, potentially numbering dozens in the House, appear ready to break ranks and back legislation compelling the federal government to publish all files related to Epstein and ongoing criminal investigations. Analysts suggest the bill has a strong chance of passing the House this week, though its fate in the Senate remains uncertain.

Epstein, a financier with a history of criminal convictions, died in a New York prison cell in 2019, with authorities ruling his death a suicide. At the time, he faced sex trafficking charges, following a 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

Addressing the controversy, Trump dismissed attention to the files as a Democrat-driven “hoax” aimed at deflecting focus from their own legislative agenda. “The Department of Justice has already turned over tens of thousands of pages to the Public on 'Epstein,’” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He accused Democrats of using the issue to target his party and urged Republicans to “get BACK ON POINT.”

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed Trump’s message, telling Fox News that the push to release the files is “the entire game plan” of opposition Democrats. Johnson emphasized that Trump has “clean hands” and is frustrated with the politicization of the Epstein matter.

The release of the files could intensify scrutiny on both political parties while providing more transparency on Epstein’s extensive network. Analysts note that the move may serve both as a strategy to reinforce Republican unity and as a preemptive effort to limit potential political fallout in the months leading up to future elections.

As lawmakers prepare for the House vote, the nation watches closely, balancing demands for transparency against the continuing political narratives surrounding Epstein and his connections to powerful figures. The unfolding developments highlight the delicate intersection of justice, media scrutiny, and partisan politics in the U.S.