Trump signs law demanding swift release of records
Donald Trump says he has signed a law that forces the Justice Department to release all federal records tied to Jeffrey Epstein. The law sets a 30-day deadline, though officials may hold back details that affect active investigations or invade personal privacy. With Trump’s support, the bill moves through both chambers with overwhelming approval. Trump reverses his position after strong pressure from survivors and members of his own party. He had earlier dismissed the effort as a partisan distraction before changing course. He now argues the documents may reveal information about Democratic figures and stresses his personal backing of the measure.
Lawmakers support the bill with near-unanimous agreement
Congress does not need to vote on the release, since Trump could have ordered it on his own. Legislators still push the bill forward. The House backs it by 427 to 1. The Senate approves it without objection. The files include criminal investigation records, interview transcripts, seized materials, and internal Justice Department communications. They also hold flight logs and links to people and organisations tied to Epstein. These records 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 law and demand full transparency
Survivors welcome the move. The family of Virginia Giuffre calls the law “nothing short of monumental.” They insist that every name must be made public, regardless of influence or wealth. They say their work continues until complete transparency is reached. Epstein dies in 2019 in a New York jail. A coroner rules his death a suicide. He faces sex-trafficking charges at the time and has a prior conviction from 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Epstein maintains ties to many high-profile figures across politics, finance, and media.
New pressure mounts on high-profile figures linked to Epstein
Former Harvard president Larry Summers steps away from teaching on Wednesday. The university reviews his ties to Epstein after friendly emails emerge. Attorney General Pam Bondi must release all unclassified records linked to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days of the law’s enactment. Maxwell serves a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Officials may still withhold material that harms active investigations or exposes victims. Congressman Thomas Massie warns that new investigations could delay disclosure. He fears officials may use them to justify withholding files.
