Former President Donald Trump has urged GOP lawmakers to vote in favor of releasing files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking a notable reversal in his previous stance that downplayed the significance of such documents.
Trump made the call on Sunday, stating that Republicans in the House of Representatives should support the release because we have nothing to hide. This comes after weeks of assertions from Trump that the push for a vote was merely a distraction orchestrated by Democrats.
The move follows a steady release of documents concerning Epstein from House Democrats, portions of which have made references to Trump, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein's crimes.
Recently, a significant number of Republicans indicated their willingness to break ranks and favor a legislative bill that would compel the U.S. government to disclose all its documents on Epstein. Supporters of the measure believe they have enough votes to pass it in the House this week, although its fate in the Senate remains uncertain.
Epstein, who was arrested for sex trafficking, was found dead in his New York prison cell in 2019, a death ruled as suicide by a coroner. His extensive criminal investigations resulted in a wealth of documents, including interviews with victims and details of witness testimonies. This unreleased material is often referred to as the Epstein files.
Despite Trump's earlier dismissal of the need for further document disclosures, recent political developments, including a public disagreement with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, hint at rising pressure on him to shift his position. Greene, a close Trump ally, has expressed confusion over Trump's change in wording surrounding the files.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, calls from Epstein survivors and their supporters intensify, urging Congress to prioritize the release of the files to serve justice and transparency.
