WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump signed legislation on Wednesday requiring the U.S. Department of Justice to release all unclassified files related to Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days, marking a rare moment of overwhelming bipartisan agreement in Congress. The move follows sustained pressure from victims, lawmakers, and political allies who pushed the administration to make the records public.
The measure passed the House 427–1 after supporters filed a discharge petition that forced a vote. The Senate later approved it unanimously. The law allows limited redactions to protect sex-trafficking victims and preserve active federal investigations, but it bars the Justice Department from withholding information due to “reputational harm” or political considerations. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed she has opened a review and pledged that victim identities would remain protected.
Trump initially resisted the legislative effort, but shifted after it became clear Congress would act regardless. In a social media statement, he wrote that he requested House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to advance the bill, arguing the Epstein issue had become a distraction from “victories” he wants his party to focus on.
The impending release raises the possibility of new federal probes and institutional reviews, including scrutiny of Epstein’s long-documented connections with public figures and academic institutions. The legislation also stirred unusual political alliances, including Rep. Lauren Boebert, who rejected calls from the administration to reverse her support.
Rep. Clay Higgins cast the lone vote against the bill, expressing concern that it could expose information about individuals not accused of crimes.
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