Donald Trump, in a reversal of his previous stance, has asserted that he has no secrets to conceal and is now calling on Republicans to support the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Following his return to Washington from Florida, the president, who had been critical of Republican lawmakers, took to Truth Social to dismiss the controversy surrounding the files as a “hoax.” Trump urged House Republicans to vote in favor of making the material public, stating, “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files. We have nothing to hide, and it´s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics in order to deflect from the Great Success of the Republican Party.”
To bolster his position, Trump shared remarks from David Schoen, Epstein’s former lawyer and a member of his own defense team during his second impeachment trial. Schoen contended that Epstein did not possess any incriminating information about the president. Schoen emphasized, “If Jeffrey Epstein had any dirt on Donald Trump, he would have had great leverage in the criminal case against him at the time he died. The fact that he unequivocally said he had none ought to shut down the false claims otherwise, but facts are no obstacle to political attacks.” Schoen also highlighted that Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew, testified under oath that Trump “did nothing inappropriate.”
However, these assertions appear to contradict recent emails from Epstein, where he claimed to have damaging information on Trump. Trump’s change in position comes after a tumultuous week marked by conflicts within his own party, as he clashed with dissenters amid mounting calls for full disclosure. The upcoming vote on the release of the Epstein files has deepened rifts among Republicans and intensified scrutiny of Trump’s handling of the issue.
Despite being a longtime associate of Epstein, Trump has expanded his defense regarding the impending file release, stating that his administration had already furnished “tens of thousands of pages.” He suggested that the documents could be politically detrimental to prominent Democrats, including Bill Clinton. Trump expressed willingness for the House Oversight Committee to access all legally entitled materials, emphasizing, “I DON’T CARE!” He then shifted focus to his key campaign themes on the economy, immigration, and foreign policy, stating, “Nobody cared about Jeffrey Epstein when he was alive and, if the Democrats had anything, they would have released it before our Landslide Election Victory.”
Trump did not indicate any resolution to his dispute with Republicans supporting the bill, particularly Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene. He criticized Greene, prolonging their ongoing conflict by questioning her character and loyalty. Trump announced the severance of ties with Greene and vowed to endorse a challenger against her in 2026. Greene, on her part, emphasized the public’s right to transparency, attributing the strain in their relationship to the Epstein files.
While facing internal discord, Trump has garnered bipartisan commendation for endorsing the upcoming vote on the Epstein files. Democrat Ro Khanna, who introduced the petition alongside Massie, welcomed Trump’s support. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged Trump to release the files promptly. Republicans who backed the petition have yet to comment publicly, with Nancy Mace sharing a video of Epstein victims advocating for congressional action.
The bill aims to compel the Justice Department to disclose all documents and communications related to Epstein, including details on the investigation into his death in federal custody. Sensitive information concerning victims and ongoing inquiries may be redacted. Massie anticipates strong Republican support, hoping for a veto-proof majority. Speaker Mike Johnson, who previously opposed the petition, adjourned lawmakers early for recess amid mounting pressure for a vote.
Democrats alleged that the delay in swearing in newly elected Adelita Grijalva was deliberate to prevent her from becoming the critical 218th signatory. The release of the Epstein files has become a focal point for Greene and other Republican dissidents in Congress, as they press for transparency and accountability.