Epstein files: Trump calls for release to end 'Democrat hoax,' shifts from previous opposition

Washington: In a dramatic reversal, US President Donald Trump on Sunday urged House Republicans to support the release of files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, saying the GOP has “nothing to hide.”

Trump’s comments came hours after returning from Florida, marking a shift from his earlier opposition to the proposal. “It’s time to move on from this Democrat hoax perpetrated by radical left lunatics,” Trump wrote on social media, adding that the release would put the issue to rest.

The president’s change of stance comes as lawmakers prepare to vote on a bipartisan bill requiring the Justice Department to release all files and communications related to Epstein’s sex-trafficking investigation, including details around his 2019 death in federal custody. Sensitive information concerning victims or ongoing probes would be redacted.

Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) are leading the effort, using a discharge petition to bypass House leadership and compel a floor vote. The measure reportedly has growing Republican support, with Massie predicting “100 or more” GOP votes in favour.

“We’re aiming for a veto-proof majority,” Massie said, asserting that Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump, who had previously opposed the bill, would face “a big loss” this week.

Speaker Johnson, acknowledging the widespread support, said, “We’ll get this done and move it on. There’s nothing to hide.”

The vote comes amid renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s network following fresh documents alleging that Epstein once wrote an email claiming Trump “knew about the girls.” The White House denounced the disclosure as politically motivated, insisting the president “has nothing to hide.”

Trump, whose name appeared in Justice Department records released earlier this year, has denied any wrongdoing or involvement in Epstein’s crimes.

Khanna said the bill was about transparency and accountability, not partisan politics. “There are many people who need to be held accountable,” he said, while inviting Trump to meet Epstein’s victims, some of whom will attend a press conference on Tuesday.

Three Republican lawmakers, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace, and Lauren Boebert, have backed the petition, defying party leadership. Greene, now at odds with Trump, said their fallout “came down to the Epstein files,” reflecting growing pressure within the GOP to support the release.

Even if the House passes the measure, its fate in the Senate remains uncertain, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) yet to indicate his stance. “The pressure will be there if we get a big vote in the House,” Massie said.

With inputs from AP