Trump signs law pushing rapid release of files
Donald Trump announces he has signed a law that forces the Justice Department to release all government records tied to Jeffrey Epstein. The law sets a 30-day deadline, though officials may withhold parts that risk active investigations or violate personal privacy. With Trump’s backing, the bill clears both chambers with overwhelming support. Trump shifts his stance after pressure from survivors and members of his own party. He had previously dismissed the effort as a partisan distraction before reversing course. He now argues the files may reveal information about Democratic figures and stresses his personal role in approving the measure.
Congress supports the move with near-total unity
Congress does not need to vote on the release, since Trump could issue the order himself. Lawmakers still advance the bill. The House passes it by 427 to 1. The Senate approves it without objection. The files include criminal investigation materials, interview transcripts, seized documents, and internal Justice Department messages. They also contain flight logs and links to people and organisations tied to Epstein. These materials differ from the 20,000 pages released last week from Epstein’s estate. Those documents include 2018 messages in which Epstein claims he can “take down” Trump and says 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 praise the decision and demand full transparency
Epstein survivors welcome the move. The family of Virginia Giuffre calls the bill “nothing short of monumental.” They insist that every name must be revealed, regardless of influence or wealth. They stress that the work will continue until all details become public. 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 previous conviction from 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Epstein maintains ties to many high-profile figures from politics, finance, and media.
Fresh scrutiny hits figures linked to Epstein
Former Harvard president Larry Summers steps aside from teaching on Wednesday. The university reviews his relationship with Epstein after friendly emails emerge. Attorney General Pam Bondi must release all unclassified records related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days of the law’s enactment. Maxwell serves a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Authorities may still withhold information that harms active investigations or exposes victims. Congressman Thomas Massie warns that new probes could delay disclosure. He fears officials may use them to justify withholding files.
