Following months of political debate and pressure, President Donald Trump has formally approved a measure requiring the Justice Department to release all non-classified records connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
The measure requires Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all unclassified documents within 30 days of the bill becoming law, while allowing redactions to protect active investigations and the identities of victims.
Eralier in the week, Congress had approved a bipartisan bill that orders the Department of Justice to release long-sealed investigative materials related to Jeffrey Epstein, sending the Epstein files bill to President Donald Trump for final approval. The legislation, passed the House in a 427-1 vote and advanced quickly through the Senate without debate. The vote marked a rare show of unity on Capitol Hill amid growing pressure for transparency in the high-profile case.
The push to open the archives gained momentum after broad public demand for transparency surrounding Epstein, who was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges before his death in a Manhattan jail cell that same year. Lawmakers backing the measure argued that the release of records is necessary to address unanswered questions and restore confidence in the justice system.
Supporters of the order have framed it as a step toward accountability and closure for survivors, while critics caution that the process must be handled carefully to avoid compromising legal rights or exposing sensitive information. Federal agencies are now preparing for the release, which is expected to draw intense media scrutiny and renewed legal and political attention once the documents are made public
The Epstein files, gathered during federal investigations into the late financier, include transcripts from victim and witness interviews, flight logs, internal Justice Department communications, and evidence collected during property raids.
Although Trump initially opposed the release, he reversed course over the weekend, encouraging Republicans to support the legislation. He said there was nothing to hide and downplayed the timing, writing on social media that Republicans should stay focused on recent policy wins.
Despite his backing, questions have resurfaced about Trump’s past social ties to Epstein, which he has repeatedly dismissed as distant and unrelated to any wrongdoing.
Attorney General Bondi said Wednesday the Justice Department would comply fully with the law while taking steps to safeguard those affected.
Her remarks came after Epstein survivors appeared at the Capitol, urging lawmakers to act. One survivor described years of institutional betrayal, arguing that the release of the records was essential for accountability.
The push to release the Epstein materials was led by Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat. Massie, often at odds with his party, said lawmakers who voted against the bill were effectively protecting abusers.
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