US President Donald Trump has signed a bill ordering the Justice Department to release all its files from its investigation into convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The legislation, which calls for the release of the files in a searchable and downloadable format within 30 days, was approved overwhelmingly in both chambers of Congress, the House of Representatives and Senate, on Tuesday.
Trump then announced on his Truth Social platform that he had signed it on Wednesday, starting the clock on the release of the files. Under pressure from Epstein's victims and rank-and-file Republicans, Trump made a major reversal in his stance on the files and gave his blessing to passing the legislation after initially resisting the unsealing of many documents.
The lower chamber of Congress debated the measure on Tuesday morning and voted within hours, with several of Epstein's victims advocating for the bill's passage on Capitol Hill. The resolution passed with a nearly unanimous vote of 427-1, with Clay Higgins, a Louisiana Republican, as the only dissenting voice.
The resolution brings to public light materials currently held by the Justice Department, which could include files about imprisoned Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell and references to other figures, including government officials. The Justice Department has 30 days to release the materials; however, they may encounter obstacles that could lead to delays.
The bill stipulates that the Justice Department can withhold documents that jeopardize ongoing investigations or prosecutions. Experts have noted that delays are possible, particularly with Trump calling for investigations into Epstein's connections with prominent Democrats.
Regarding potential redactions, public expectation may not be met with full transparency as many names and details could be obscured to protect privacy. The most recent legislation allows the attorney general to withhold records, including victims' names and other sensitive information deemed inappropriate for public consumption. The balance between full disclosure and the privacy rights of victims remains a complex issue.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the commitment to following the law while prioritizing the protection of victims during a recent press conference, maintaining that transparency is key while ensuring sensitive information is shielded from disclosure.
