President signs law ordering swift release of files
Donald Trump announces he has signed a law that requires the Justice Department to release all federal records linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The law sets a 30-day deadline, though officials may withhold details that threaten ongoing investigations or invade personal privacy. With Trump’s support, the bill passes both chambers with overwhelming approval. He reverses his stance after pressure from survivors and members of his own party. Trump had earlier dismissed the effort as a partisan distraction before changing course. He now claims the files may reveal information about Democratic figures and stresses his direct role in approving the measure.
Congress supports the bill with near-unanimous backing
Congress does not need to vote to release the files, as Trump could have ordered disclosure himself. Lawmakers still advance the bill. The House approves it 427 to 1. The Senate passes it without objection. The files include criminal investigation records, interview transcripts, seized materials, and internal Justice Department communications. They also contain flight logs and links to individuals and organisations associated with Epstein. These files differ from the 20,000 pages released last week from Epstein’s estate. Those documents include 2018 messages in which Epstein says he can “take down” Trump and claims he knows “how dirty donald is.” Trump and Epstein were close for years. Trump says they fell out in the early 2000s and denies any wrongdoing.
Survivors hail the law and demand full transparency
Survivors welcome the move. The family of Virginia Giuffre calls the decision “nothing short of monumental.” They insist every name must be revealed, regardless of influence or wealth. They say their efforts continue until complete transparency is achieved. Epstein dies in 2019 in a New York jail cell. A coroner rules his death a suicide. He faces sex-trafficking charges at the time and has a prior conviction from 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Epstein maintains connections to many high-profile figures across politics, finance, and media.
High-profile figures face renewed scrutiny over Epstein ties
Former Harvard president Larry Summers steps aside from teaching on Wednesday. The university reviews his links to Epstein after friendly emails surface. Attorney General Pam Bondi must release all unclassified records tied to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days of the law’s enactment. Maxwell serves a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Officials may still block details that harm active investigations or expose victims. Congressman Thomas Massie warns that new probes may delay disclosure. He fears officials may use them to justify withholding files.
