Under mounting pressure: Donald Trump signs bill to release Epstein files — what do they contain?

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that he has signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The bill directs the Justice Department to publicly release all files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The legislation passed the US House of Representatives on Tuesday by an overwhelming 427–1 vote and was cleared by the Senate on Wednesday morning.




In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “ I have signed the bill to release the Epstein Files!"

The President’s post accused several high-profile Democratic figures including former President Bill Clinton, economist Larry Summers, investor Reid Hoffman and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of having close ties with Epstein. He alleged that the documents could reveal more about those relationships once they are released.

"Jeffrey Epstein, who was charged by the Trump Justice Department in 2019 (Not the Democrats!), was a lifelong Democrat, donated Thousands of Dollars to Democrat Politicians, and was deeply associated with many well-known Democrat figures, such as Bill Clinton (who traveled on his plane 26 times), Larry Summers (who just resigned from many Boards, including Harvard), Sleazebag Political Activist Reid Hoffman, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (who asked Epstein to donate to his Campaign after Epstein was charged), Democrat Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, and many more," he further wrote in his post.

Trump also claimed credit for the bill’s swift passage through Congress and used the announcement to sharply criticize Democrats, asserting that they were trying to “deflect” from Republican achievements.

He also criticised former President Joe Biden alleging that under his tenure, the Justice Department did not release any documents related to Epstein or address his case publicly.

"Do not forget — The Biden Administration did not turn over a SINGLE file or page related to Democrat Epstein, nor did they ever even speak about him.," he wrote.



Trump’s endorsement of the bill marks a reversal of his earlier stance. For months, he had resisted expanding access to the files, calling the matter a “Democrat hoax.” However, he shifted position earlier this week as it became clear the House would pass the legislation, saying Republicans had “nothing to hide”.

What are Epstein Files?

The “Epstein files” are a large set of documents and evidence collected during investigations into financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. These include flight logs, contact lists, witness statements, correspondence and records of his travel and finances. The files contain the names of several well-known individuals who had social or business links with Epstein.

Many of these materials have remained sealed or heavily redacted for years, leading to growing demands for full disclosure. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse, along with lawmakers, have urged authorities to release the files, saying transparency is crucial after repeated failures by federal agencies.

Under the newly signed bill, the Attorney General must release unclassified Epstein-related records within 30 days, with redactions only to protect victims’ identities, sensitive content and ongoing investigations, as reported by the Guardian.

The House Oversight Committee has already made public tens of thousands of pages that highlight Epstein’s network of political, financial and global connections. His ties also extended to the United Kingdom, where Prince Andrew was stripped of royal titles amid public pressure.

Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were once socially acquainted and photographed together in the early 2000s. Trump has stated he ended contact with Epstein long before his 2008 conviction and has denied any wrongdoing, even as earlier email releases showed Epstein referencing Trump in private communications.