President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed legislation requiring his administration to release all federal files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking a major shift after weeks of resisting pressure from within his own party. The move forces the Justice Department to disclose case documents, including communications and records linked to Epstein’s 2019 death in federal custody.
In a social media post, Trump said Democrats were using the Epstein issue “to distract from our AMAZING Victories,” but confirmed he had approved the bill. The legislation mandates that all Epstein-related files be made public within 30 days, allowing only limited redactions to protect victims or ongoing federal investigations. The law specifically bars withholding information due to “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.”
The bill passed overwhelmingly in the House with a 427–1 vote, followed by unanimous approval by the Senate. The only opposing vote came from Rep. Clay Higgins, who argued that the bill’s language might expose details about people not charged with any wrongdoing.
Trump had initially resisted the effort and even called Rep. Lauren Boebert to the Situation Room last week to argue against the bill. But once it became clear that Congress would advance the measure with overwhelming bipartisan support, the administration shifted its stance. Trump later said the topic had become a “distraction” and insisted he wanted the GOP to stay focused on its agenda.
Epstein, a disgraced financier with connections across global political and social circles, died in a federal prison in 2019. Trump has long maintained he ended his association with Epstein years before the crimes came to light.
The newly signed bill ensures full public disclosure of case files that have been at the center of political attention and speculation for years.
