Trump backs release of Epstein case files in stunning U-turn: ‘we have | US | News
President Donald Trump urged House Republicans to vote in favor of releasing files on the Jeffrey Epstein case, The Associated Press reported; This marks a striking reversal from his previous stance of opposing the proposal.
“We have nothing to hide and it is time to abandon this Democrat Fraud perpetrated by Radical Left Crazies to deflect from the Great Success of the Republican Party,” Trump said in a social media post shortly after returning to Joint Base Andrews from a weekend in Florida.
Both Democrats and some Republicans are advocating a measure that would force the Justice Department to make additional documents related to the Epstein case public.
The president’s change of heart is a tacit admission that the measure’s supporters have enough votes to ensure its passage in the House; but the measure’s fate in the Senate remains uncertain.
Lawmakers predict overwhelming support from Republicans for Epstein bill
Lawmakers advocating the release of files linked to the sex trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein are expecting a landslide victory in the House this week, with a “swarm of Republicans” expected to vote in favor of the bill, defying both GOP leadership and the President. Donald Trumppeople who have long been critical of his efforts.
The proposed legislation would require the Justice Department to release all files and communications related to Epstein, as well as any information about the investigation into his death in federal custody, allowing the redaction of information about Epstein’s victims or ongoing federal investigations.
Massie and Khanna lead repeal petition to force vote
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), one of the lawmakers discussing the legislation on Sunday news shows, expressed optimism about the bill’s future, saying “there could be 100 or more votes” from Republicans.
“I expect to get a veto-proof majority when this legislation comes to a vote.” Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., launched a cease-and-desist petition in July to force a vote on their bill; this was a rarely successful tactic that allowed a majority of members to bypass the House leadership and force a chamber vote.
Speaker Johnson’s opposition and alleged delays
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., had criticized the impeachment petition effort and sent members into August recess early after the GOP’s legislative agenda was disrupted by the clamor for the Epstein vote.
Democrats also claim Rep. Adelita Grijalva’s (D-Ariz.) session was postponed in an effort to delay her becoming the 218th member to sign the petition and reach the threshold needed to force a vote. It was their 218th signing moment after taking the oath of office last week.
Massie confident of victory despite criticism
Massie suggested that Johnson, Trump and others who criticized his efforts “will take a big loss this week,” adding, “I’m not tired of winning yet, but we are winning.”
Trump’s relationship with Epstein and Justice Department records
Trump’s relationship with Epstein has been well documented, and the president’s name appeared in records released by his own Justice Department in February as part of an effort to satisfy public interest in information from the sex-trafficking investigation.
But Trump has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and the fact that someone is named in the investigative files does not imply otherwise.
Epstein, who committed suicide in prison while awaiting trial in 2019, had many well-known acquaintances in political and celebrity circles, as well as Trump.
