In surprising reversal, Trump tells House to release Epstein files

D. Barkin on Nov 16, 2025

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WASHINGTON — In a striking turnaround Sunday, President Donald J. Trump urged House Republicans to vote in favor of legislation compelling the Justice Department to release previously withheld files related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein — a sharp departure from his earlier opposition and an acknowledgement of mounting pressure from within his own party.

The Shift in Position

Trump’s message, posted on his social-media platform on Sunday evening, declared: “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide.” He had previously told GOP lawmakers to block or oppose the legislation, contending it served as a distraction promoted by Democrats.

According to congressional sources, the sudden pivot reflects political reality: the legislation had gathered more than the 218 signatures required to force a House floor vote via a discharge petition.

Legislation and Momentum

The measure — the Epstein Files Transparency Act — was introduced in July 2025 by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna of California. Its aim: to mandate the declassification and release of records related to Epstein’s investigation, including documents once held under seal by federal authorities. The bill allows redactions for victims’ privacy and sensitive ongoing inquiries.

Supporters now estimate that “40 or more” Republicans may vote for the bill, potentially enough to give it broad bipartisan support.

Internal GOP Tensions

Trump’s reversal highlights a widening rift inside the Republican Party over how to navigate renewed public scrutiny around Epstein. Some Republicans argue transparency is overdue; others warn disclosure could expose internal allies or reopen political vulnerabilities.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who holds agenda-setting power, previously voiced support for release: “We should put everything out there,” he said. His stance increased pressure on the White House to align publicly with the emerging consensus.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Trump ally, co-authored the discharge petition and unexpectedly found herself criticized by Trump during the dispute — another sign of the internal friction the issue has created.

What’s at Stake

The files concern Epstein’s sex-trafficking network, the circumstances of his 2019 death in federal custody, and the many high-profile individuals who had personal, financial, or social ties to him. Transparency advocates argue that full release is critical for accountability and to address lingering distrust.

Trump, whose name appears in some documents and court filings, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and says disclosure will clear the air. Supporters see his reversal as an attempt to project confidence; critics see it as a reluctant concession to inevitable political momentum.

Political Strategy and Disclosure

Analysts suggest Trump recognized that opposing the release once the discharge petition crossed a critical threshold risked appearing defensive. Publicly supporting the vote allows him to reposition himself on the side of transparency without admitting a miscalculation.

The broader question is whether a House vote — expected this week — will be followed by Senate action. Thus far, Senate leadership has declined to commit to bringing the measure to the floor.

Victims and Transparency Advocates

Survivors of Epstein’s network and human-trafficking groups have applauded the move toward disclosure, calling it long overdue. For them, the documents represent answers, accountability, and a path toward institutional reform.

Advocates also caution that transparency must not come at the cost of victim privacy. The legislation’s redaction provisions are designed to avoid further harm while still addressing the public interest.

Next Steps

A vote is expected within days. Whatever the outcome, Trump’s reversal signals a shift in the political gravity surrounding Epstein’s legacy. With Republicans increasingly split between hardline loyalty and a new appetite for transparency, the coming vote will test how far the party is willing to go in exposing a scandal that has touched figures across the political spectrum.

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This article was written, in part, utilizing AI tools.

Sources

*ihttps://apnews.com/article/c46716743f6f65f2f3b74906365da58b* *ihttps://[www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/17/trump-tells-republicans-to-vote-to-release-epstein-files-saying-we-have-nothing-to-hide](http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/17/trump-tells-republicans-to-vote-to-release-epstein-files-saying-we-have-nothing-to-hide)* *ihttps://[www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-speaker-says-nothing-hide-epstein-files-2025-11-16/](http://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-speaker-says-nothing-hide-epstein-files-2025-11-16/)*