U.S. lawmakers are set to vote Tuesday on the release of government records detailing the life, crimes, and controversial death of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, in a move that could defy President Donald Trump’s efforts to keep the files under wraps.
After months of behind-the-scenes pressure, political maneuvering, and intense lobbying to prevent disclosure, Trump abruptly shifted course on Sunday, conceding as it became clear that a significant portion of congressional Republicans were prepared to defy him.
The House of Representatives now appears almost certain to approve the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would make unclassified documents from the federal investigation into Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking operation and his 2019 death publicly available.
Epstein’s death, ruled a suicide, occurred while he faced federal trial over allegations that he exploited underage girls and young women—a case with over 1,000 alleged victims.
Lawmakers argue that the public deserves answers in one of the most notorious scandals in recent history.
Trump has suggested the files could expose prominent Democrats’ connections to Epstein, yet he himself faces renewed scrutiny over his long-standing friendship with the financier, who allegedly supplied powerful men with underage women.
Killing the legislation in the Senate after a near-unanimous House vote would be politically difficult.
Trump has pledged not to veto the bill if it reaches his desk, though the Justice Department retains the authority to withhold any information that could compromise active federal investigations.
Last week, Trump ordered officials to probe Epstein’s connections to high-profile Democrats—a move widely criticized as politically motivated.
The saga has revealed rare cracks in support for Trump within his own party. Though he campaigned on releasing the Epstein files, he initially reversed course after taking office, dismissing Democratic efforts as a “hoax.”
After repeated attempts by Republican leaders to block the vote, all Democrats and four Republicans filed a discharge petition—an extraordinary measure forcing the bill to the House floor.
Trump subsequently encouraged Republicans to vote in favor, tweeting, “We have nothing to hide.”
Epstein survivors have expressed skepticism over Trump’s motives. Haley Robson, who alleges she was recruited to massage Epstein at age 16, told reporters, “I am traumatized—I am not stupid.”
At the time of his death, Epstein faced federal charges related to sex trafficking, following a 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution.
Despite an exhaustive Justice Department review in July that found no reason to release additional files, public pressure and political dynamics have propelled the issue back into the spotlight.
The controversy has further strained Trump’s alliances. He withdrew support for staunch ally Marjorie Taylor Greene, a move she said was “all about the Epstein files.” Greene anticipates a unanimous House vote but warned, “The real test will be whether the Department of Justice releases the files or keeps them tied up in investigations.”
While Trump has tried to shift attention to Epstein’s connections with Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton, newly surfaced emails suggesting Trump “knew about the girls” have reignited scrutiny of his relationship with the disgraced financier.
The coming vote could mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing public quest for accountability and transparency surrounding one of the most infamous criminal networks in recent history.
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