The Republican-controlled US Congress voted on Tuesday to force the release of Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers passed the measure almost unanimously after months of political pressure and public scrutiny. The move marked a significant shift for President Donald Trump, who had opposed the effort for months before reversing course. Two days after Trump’s abrupt change, the House passed the resolution with a 427-1 vote. The Senate quickly approved the measure, clearing the way for the bill to reach the White House. A senior official said Trump planned to sign the bill once it arrived on his desk.
The Epstein scandal has remained a persistent political burden for Trump. He amplified conspiracy theories about Epstein to his supporters over the past year. Many of his voters believe the administration obscured Epstein’s ties to powerful individuals. They also question the official ruling that Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019.
Survivors Call for Transparency
Before the vote, two dozen survivors of Epstein’s alleged abuse gathered outside the US Capitol. They held photographs of themselves as young girls, representing the age at which they first encountered Epstein. They urged lawmakers to release all unclassified Justice Department files. After the vote, the survivors applauded lawmakers from the House gallery. Several women cried and hugged each other as the measure passed.
Epstein had been a New York financier who socialised with influential politicians and business leaders. His associations continue to fuel public demands for full disclosure of investigative records. Many survivors said transparency remained essential for accountability and justice.
Trump Reacts Sharply to Media Questions
Despite his reversal on the bill, Trump expressed anger over renewed attention to the issue. When questioned about the matter in the Oval Office, Trump called the reporter a “terrible person.” He also claimed the journalist’s network should lose its licence. Trump insisted he had no ties to Epstein’s crimes. He said he expelled Epstein from his club years earlier because he viewed him as a “sick pervert.”
The White House did not expect Congress to act so swiftly. Officials believed the Senate would take longer to advance the measure. Meanwhile, Trump’s handling of the issue hurt his political standing. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found his approval at its lowest point this year. Only one in five voters approved of his response to the scandal. Among Republicans, 44 percent supported his approach.
During a press conference, survivor Jena-Lisa Jones criticised Trump directly. She said Epstein abused her when she was 14. She urged the president to stop politicising the issue. Jones said she voted for Trump but felt embarrassed by his behaviour. Her comments reflected growing frustration among victims seeking accountability.
Despite calling the matter a “Democratic hoax,” Trump faces pressure from both parties. Several prominent Republicans have demanded the release of the records. They argue that transparency will help restore public trust and resolve unanswered questions.
