The House of Representatives has taken a major step toward releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files, voting Tuesday to compel the Justice Department to release the unclassified records tied to the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender.
The measure, driven by a rare bipartisan coalition, follows a long standoff in Congress and a last-minute reversal from Donald Trump, who had earlier resisted public release of the documents but ultimately urged Republicans to approve the disclosure.
Led by Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA), the bill compels the Justice Department to disclose all unclassified files, communications, investigative materials and logs connected to Epstein. Their push was bolstered by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) signaling his support—despite calling the effort a “political stunt” and raising concerns about victim privacy beforehand. Johnson told reporters that “we have nothing to hide” and that he expects the vote to win overwhelming backing.
Trump initially described the release effort as a “Democrat hoax,” but reversed course late Sunday, posting on social media: “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide.”
That shift paved the way for a vote many assumed would never happen. The House, long divided on how aggressively to pursue the Epstein-files disclosure, finally marshalled the necessary support after 218 members signed a discharge petition to force the vote.
Victims of Epstein’s abuse gathered outside the Capitol ahead of the vote, holding photos of themselves from the ages they say they were first targeted and demanding full transparency from the government.
“It’s disrespectful to survivors if they delay,” Massie said during the press event. The bill allows the Justice Department some leeway to withhold information tied to ongoing investigations or that could expose victims’ identities, but it marks a significant escalation in efforts to lift the veil over what many believe has been a protected network of the elite.
With the House approval now secured, attention shifts to the Senate, where Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has yet to commit to a vote. If the Senate passes the bill, it will land on Trump’s desk for his signature. Even then, legal and bureaucratic hurdles remain: agencies may still slow-walk the release with redactions or by citing investigative exemptions.
Critics warn the victory could prove symbolic if files remain hidden behind national security and confidentiality claims.
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