Crystal Dike
US President Donald Trump has urged House Republicans to vote in favour of releasing the Epstein files, insisting the party has “nothing to hide” as pressure mounts over documents linked to the late convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump made the appeal in a Truth Social post on Sunday night, reversing his previous position amid a steady release of Epstein files by House Democrats. Some of the newly public documents reference Trump, although the White House has dismissed the attention as politically driven.
Last Wednesday, House Democrats published three email exchanges between Epstein and his long-time associate Ghislaine Maxwell. One of the emails, dated 2011, referenced Trump in connection with a victim later identified by the White House as Virginia Giuffre. There is no indication of wrongdoing by the US president. In response, House Republicans released a far larger tranche of more than 20,000 Epstein files, accusing Democrats of “cherry-picking” documents to construct a “fake narrative”.
The dispute has also sparked a public clash between Trump and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of his once-fiercest allies. Trump called Greene “wacky” and a “traitor” on Friday, accusing her of trying to pressure Republicans into backing the records’ release. Greene, in turn, questioned whether Trump still prioritises his “America First” agenda.
Despite internal tensions, the Epstein Files Transparency Act appears on track to pass the House this week, with up to 100 Republicans signalling support. The bill would compel the Justice Department to release all unclassified Epstein files, including investigative materials, correspondence and previously unreleased records. The measure would still require Trump’s signature if approved by both chambers of Congress.
Epstein, who was convicted in 2008, died by suicide in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on new sex-trafficking charges.
Survivors of Epstein’s abuse, including the family of Virginia Giuffre, have urged lawmakers to support full disclosure of the Epstein files, stressing that transparency is vital for accountability. Their letter warned lawmakers: “When you vote, we will remember your decision at the ballot box.”