US President Donald Trump has signed a new law that orders the release of all files connected to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to the bill, the Justice Department must publish these documents in a searchable and downloadable format within 30 days.
Trump initially opposed making the files public. However, he changed his stance after strong pressure from Epstein’s victims and several Republican lawmakers. With his support, the bill passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate with overwhelming approval.
After signing the legislation, Trump wrote that the truth about several prominent Democrats “will soon be revealed,” and celebrated the decision as a major step toward transparency.
What Do the Epstein Files Contain?
The files set for release include material from earlier criminal investigations into Epstein. These documents consist of:
- Interviews with victims and witnesses
- Justice Department communications
- Flight logs
- Names of individuals and entities linked to Epstein
- Evidence seized during raids of his homes
Importantly, these documents differ from the 20,000+ pages released last week from Epstein’s estate. Those earlier records already mentioned several high-profile names, including Donald Trump. In one 2018 exchange, Epstein claimed he knew how to “take down” Trump and said he was aware of “how dirty Donald is.”
Congress’ Role and the Single ‘No’ Vote
Although Trump could have ordered the release without Congress, lawmakers still pushed the bill forward. The House passed it with a 427–1 vote, and the Senate approved it unanimously. These numbers show strong bipartisan support for transparency.
The Justice Department will now handle the release process. However, some sensitive portions can be withheld if they invade personal privacy or relate to an ongoing investigation.
Reactions From Survivors and Lawmakers
The family of Virginia Giuffre — a key survivor who died by suicide earlier this year — praised the decision. They called it “nothing short of monumental” and urged the government to ensure that every name involved is made public, regardless of wealth or political influence.
Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie expressed concern. He warned that new investigations could be used to delay or block the full release of the files. According to him, this tactic might allow some information to remain hidden.
Epstein’s Death and His Network of Associates
Jeffrey Epstein died in 2019 in a New York prison cell. Officials ruled his death a suicide. At the time, he awaited trial for sex trafficking. Before that, he was convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
His network included several well-known figures across politics, media, and entertainment. These include:
- Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
- Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon
- Donald Trump
- Other influential individuals linked to his private jet, homes, and social circles
In a related development, former Harvard president Larry Summers stepped aside from teaching this week. The university began investigating his newly revealed email exchanges with Epstein.
What Happens Next?
Attorney General Pam Bondi must release all unclassified documents relating to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. However, she can withhold materials that could reveal the identity of victims or disrupt active investigations. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.
Because of these exceptions, some fear that key names or information might still remain hidden.
Conclusion
Trump’s decision to sign the release bill marks a dramatic turning point in the Epstein saga. For years, survivors, journalists, and lawmakers demanded full transparency. Now, with the 30-day countdown underway, the public may soon learn more about Epstein’s network, his powerful associates, and the failures that allowed his crimes to go unchecked.
Whether the release will expose long-protected secrets or trigger new controversy remains to be seen — but the pressure for truth has never been stronger.
