Trump urges House Republicans to back release of Epstein files

US President Donald Trump has called on Republicans in Congress to support releasing government files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In a Sunday night post, Trump urged House Republicans to vote in favour of disclosure “because we have nothing to hide.”

The shift marks a reversal from his earlier resistance and comes after House Democrats began releasing batches of Epstein-related documents, some of which mention Trump. The president has consistently denied any involvement in Epstein’s abuse or trafficking, but renewed scrutiny of their past association has sparked speculation—and prompted a public clash with one of Trump’s closest political allies.

Dozens of Republicans now appear willing to break with party leadership and back legislation requiring the US government to publish all Epstein files and investigative materials in its possession. Supporters say they have enough votes to pass the bill in the House this week, though its fate in the Senate remains uncertain.

Epstein died by suicide in his New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting sex-trafficking charges, more than a decade after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.

Trump dismissed the focus on the Epstein files as a Democrat-driven “hoax” designed to distract from Republican priorities. In a post on Truth Social, he said the Justice Department had already released “tens of thousands of pages” and was examining the actions of several Democratic figures—including Bill Clinton, Reid Hoffman and Larry Summers. He added: “The House Oversight Committee can have whatever they are legally entitled to, I DON’T CARE!” while urging Republicans to “get BACK ON POINT.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed that sentiment, telling Fox News that Democrats’ push to release the files was their “entire game plan.” He insisted Trump “has clean hands” and “is not worried about it.”

What’s in the latest Epstein documents?

Although Trump has resisted releasing more files since returning to the White House, the topic has remained a priority for many of his supporters. Photos from the early 2000s show Trump and Epstein at social gatherings, but Trump maintains he cut ties years before Epstein’s 2008 conviction and knew nothing of his crimes.

Trump’s stance shifted after House Democrats last week published three email exchanges between Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Some messages mention Trump. In a 2011 email, Epstein wrote to Maxwell: “I want you to realize that that dog that hasn’t barked is Trump.. [VICTIM] spent hours at my house with him.” According to the White House, the victim referenced was Virginia Giuffre.

The emails do not allege wrongdoing by Trump.

Republicans responded by releasing 20,000 additional documents to counter what they described as Democratic “cherry-picking” aimed at creating a “fake narrative to slander” the president.

The bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act would require the Justice Department to release all unclassified records, communications, and investigative materials tied to Epstein. If the bill passes both chambers, Trump would have to approve the release.

Epstein survivors and Giuffre’s family have urged lawmakers to support the measure, writing in a letter: “Imagine if you yourself were a survivor… When you vote, we will remember your decision at the ballot box.”

Political fallout

Trump’s handling of the issue has sparked a public feud with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, usually one of his strongest allies. Trump called her “wacky” and a “traitor” on Friday, suggesting she should face a primary challenge. Greene accused Trump of abandoning “America First” principles and trying to intimidate Republicans considering a vote for the bill.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department has confirmed it will examine Epstein’s alleged links to major banks and prominent Democrats, including former President Clinton, who has denied knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct. Recently released records also reference LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. Summers has previously expressed regret for staying in contact with Epstein after his conviction, while Hoffman has said his interactions were limited to fundraising for MIT.