Trump orders release of Epstein files, says nothing to hide
In a surprising reversal, former President Donald Trump has publicly called on House Republicans to support a bill that would force the Justice Department to release more files related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Trump made this shift in tone after previously opposing similar efforts, saying, “we have nothing to hide.”
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump described the focus on Epstein as a “Democrat Hoax,” claiming that critics are using the scandal to distract from “the Great Success of the Republican Party.” He argued that Republicans should instead redirect their attention to core issues like the economy, inflation, and border security.
Trump also emphasized that the House Oversight Committee “can have whatever they are legally entitled to,” adding, “I DON’T CARE!” according to his post.
His reversal appears to acknowledge growing pressure within his party. For weeks, a bipartisan group has pushed a discharge petition to force a vote on the release of Epstein-related documents. Key Republicans including Rep. Thomas Massie and Democrats like Rep. Ro Khanna are backing the move.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had previously expressed resistance, has also publicly supported the release. Johnson stated that making the documents public could help “put to rest allegations” linking Trump to Epstein’s crimes. He repeated Trump’s line: “there’s nothing to hide.”
This all-or-nothing demand is being viewed by some as Trump conceding political ground possibly because the bill may have enough support to pass in the House. By framing the issue as transparency and mutual accountability, he is attempting to neutralize a major point of criticism while continuing to deny any personal wrongdoing.
