Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he has signed a bill mandating the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release files related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement follows the bill's swift passage through Congress, with the U.S. House overwhelmingly approving the bill and the Senate unanimously passing it shortly thereafter.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the bill, known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requires the DOJ to publish all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials related to Epstein's investigation and prosecution. This includes information concerning Ghislaine Maxwell, flight logs, and travel records, as well as individuals mentioned in connection with Epstein's case. However, the DOJ may withhold information that compromises personal privacy or ongoing investigations.
The bill was initially introduced in the House in mid-July but faced delays from Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson. Democratic Representative Ro Khanna and Republican Representative Thomas Massie spearheaded a discharge petition, which gathered the necessary 218 signatures by November 12 to force a vote.
Epstein, who maintained connections with numerous influential American figures, was arrested on sexual offense charges and died in prison in August 2019. His death was officially ruled a suicide. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump pledged to release Epstein-related documents if elected. Despite this, the DOJ and FBI previously issued a memorandum stating no evidence of a murder or incriminating client list exists.
Recently, the House Oversight Committee's Democrats released Epstein-related documents involving Trump, prompting a larger release from Republicans as a countermeasure. Trump subsequently directed the DOJ to investigate high-profile Democrats linked to Epstein, including former President Bill Clinton and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman.
On Truth Social, Trump accused Democrats of using the Epstein issue to divert attention from Republican successes. Meanwhile, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump, accusing him of covering up for Epstein. Schumer emphasized that the issue transcends party lines and focuses on providing transparency and holding accountable those involved in Epstein's network.