Trump calls on House Republicans to vote to release Epstein files

November 17, 2025

President Donald Trump has reversed his position and now urges Republican lawmakers to vote for releasing files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, claiming his party has "nothing to hide. " This shift comes after House Democrats began releasing documents that reference Trump's past social connections with Epstein, though no wrongdoing is implied. A bipartisan bill called the Epstein Files Transparency Act is expected to have enough support to pass the House, with potentially dozens of Republicans breaking ranks to vote for it, though Senate passage remains uncertain.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump and his administration
Republican lawmakers, particularly House Speaker Mike Johnson and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene
House Democrats on the Oversight Committee
Jeffrey Epstein survivors, including Virginia Giuffre and her family
Prominent Democrats named in documents: Bill Clinton, Reid Hoffman, and Larry Summers
Ghislaine Maxwell (currently imprisoned)
Republican Representative Thomas Massie (bill co-sponsor)
Republican Congressman Glenn Grothman

What action is being taken

House Democrats on the Oversight Committee are systematically releasing Epstein-related documents
House Republicans have published 20,000 files in response
Republican and Democratic lawmakers are backing the Epstein Files Transparency Act
The US Justice Department is investigating Epstein's alleged links to major banks and prominent Democrats
Approximately 100 Republicans are preparing to vote in favor of the transparency bill

Why it matters

This matters because it involves transparency around one of the most high-profile criminal cases involving sex trafficking and abuse of minors, affecting public trust in government institutions and prominent figures. The release of files could reveal connections between Epstein and powerful political and business leaders, potentially impacting their reputations and public standing. For survivors of Epstein's crimes, the release represents accountability and justice, as they have explicitly called for transparency in their letter to Congress. The issue has also created unusual political divisions, with Trump supporters like Marjorie Taylor Greene breaking with the president, and has become a partisan flashpoint that could influence future elections.

What's next

The Epstein Files Transparency Act is expected to be voted on in the House this week
If the bill passes the House, it must then pass in the Senate (outcome uncertain)
If passed by both chambers, Trump would need to sign off on the release of documents
The Justice Department investigation into Epstein's links to major banks and prominent Democrats will continue
Congressional elections next year where Greene's seat could be contested

Read full article from source: BBC