Trump Reverses Position on Epstein Files Release Ahead of House Vote

President Trump reversed course overnight on the proposed release of Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein, posting that "House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide."

The shift marks a dramatic change from Trump's previous stance. For months, the president resisted backing bipartisan legislation that would force the Justice Department to release all files related to the late sex offender. As recently as Friday, Trump dismissed the matter as "the Epstein hoax" and said that focusing on the issue distracted from his administration's accomplishments.

Trump's new position comes as he simultaneously attacks members of his own party who support the bipartisan bill. He has targeted Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene on social media, calling her "Marjorie 'Traitor' Greene" and stating, "I don't think her life is in danger. I don't -- frankly, I don't think anybody cares about her." Greene says she has faced threats following the president's posts but maintains she will not back down, saying she is "standing with the women."

The president has not been charged with any criminal activity related to Epstein, his one-time acquaintance, and denies any wrongdoing. Trump said the Justice Department is examining Democrats who appear in newly released emails from the Epstein estate, including former President Bill Clinton. A spokesman for Clinton said the emails "prove Bill Clinton did nothing and knew nothing."

Rep. Thomas Massie, a supporter of the release, said "This vote - the record of this vote - will last longer than Donald Trump's presidency."

Epstein survivors released a public service announcement urging lawmakers to support the release. "Please remember that these are crimes that were committed against real humans, real individuals. This is not partisan," said Annie Farmer, one of the survivors. Fellow survivor Danielle Bensky added that advocates are "coming together for this cause, for a reason, because we want to change it, for the future."

The House is expected to vote on the measure this week.