Trump Reverses Course Urges Republicans to Support Release of Epstein Files as Pressure Mounts in Congress
In a surprising and dramatic shift, former United States President Donald Trump has called on House Republicans to vote in favor of releasing government files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking a reversal from his previously opposed position. Trump’s new stance, delivered in a lengthy and characteristic social media post over the weekend, has injected new energy into an already heated debate in Washington and has set the stage for a consequential vote in the House of Representatives this week. For months, conversations around the potential release of Epstein-related documents have swirled within political circles, advocacy groups, and the public at large. The files, which reportedly contain names, testimonies, and investigative findings from multiple government bodies, have long been the subject of speculation. Now, amid growing pressure and an unexpected political twist, their release appears more likely than ever. Trump Reverses Course, Urges Republicans to Support Release of Epstein Files as Pressure Mounts in Congress
Trump Reverses Course Urges Republicans to Support Release of Epstein Files as Pressure Mounts in Congress
Trump’s social media post accused Democrats of pushing the issue as a “hoax” orchestrated by what he described as “radical left lunatics.” Despite using this combative framing, he ultimately urged Republicans to vote in favor of transparency, stating, “We have nothing to hide.” This represents a notable turnaround from his earlier opposition to the proposal. Until very recently, Trump appeared determined to block or discourage Republican support for releasing the files, a stance that had puzzled many political observers and even members of his own party. However, as the vote approaches, several political analysts suggest Trump may have had little choice. Reports from Capitol Hill indicate that dozens of House Republicans—possibly close to 100—were prepared to break with Trump and vote in favor of releasing the documents regardless of his position. Facing the potential of a public and embarrassing legislative defeat, Trump seems to have made a strategic calculation.
Avoiding a Loss: Political Pragmatism at Work
David Smith, the Washington Bureau Chief for The Guardian, described Trump’s reversal as a classic example of political pragmatism. According to Smith, Trump likely recognized that he would lose the House vote badly if he continued opposing the measure. For a politician known for cultivating an image of dominance and “winning,” the optics of losing a major vote within his own party would have been politically damaging.
“If there’s one thing Donald Trump hates,” Smith said in an interview, “it’s being labeled a loser.” With momentum shifting strongly in favor of releasing the documents, Trump appears to have opted for what Smith calls “the least worst option.” By pivoting to support the measure at the last moment, Trump positions himself to claim partial credit for what is now widely expected to be a successful vote. In doing so, he preserves political capital among Republican lawmakers and voters while avoiding the narrative that he attempted—and failed—to stop the release.
Trump Reverses Course Urges Republicans to Support Release of Epstein Files as Pressure Mounts in Congress
Growing Divisions Inside the Republican Party
Trump’s reversal has also highlighted emerging fractures within the Republican Party, particularly among high-profile figures in the conservative movement. Among the most notable is Marjorie Taylor Greene, the outspoken Georgia congresswoman and longtime Trump ally who recently broke with him on this issue. Trump Reverses Course Urges Republicans to Support Release of Epstein Files as Pressure Mounts in Congress
Greene has been vocal in her belief that the Epstein files should be released, asserting that she has spoken to victims and has been assured that Trump himself is not implicated in any wrongdoing. According to her, supporting the release should have been an easy decision for the former president.
She expressed confusion and frustration over Trump’s earlier reluctance, suggesting that it raised questions about whether he was protecting others who may be named in the documents. Trump, in response, launched a series of verbal attacks over the weekend, mocking her and accusing her of disloyalty, even calling her “Marjgery Traitor Green” on social media. Their feud has become a notable subplot of the larger political drama, illustrating how even some of Trump’s closest ideological allies are willing to challenge him under certain circumstances. The public friction between the two underscores a gradual but visible shift within the party as lawmakers try to balance loyalty to Trump with broader public sentiment around transparency and accountability.
What’s Inside the Files — and Why It Matters
The content of the Epstein files remains largely unknown to the public, which has fueled intense speculation. What is clear is that Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, had connections with numerous politicians, business leaders, celebrities, and global power brokers.
Advocates for release argue that transparency is essential for justice and public trust. They maintain that the public deserves to know the full extent of the government’s findings and to understand who may have been involved in or aware of Epstein’s criminal activities.
Opponents, however, warn that the release could expose unverified allegations, drag innocent people into scandal, and create a political firestorm with unpredictable consequences. With Trump now supporting release, momentum appears firmly in favor of the transparency camp.
The Upcoming House Vote
The House of Representatives is expected to vote this week on legislation that would compel the U.S. Department of Justice to release the Epstein files publicly. Prior to Trump’s reversal, Republicans were bracing for a rare intra-party rebellion, with many prepared to defy the former president.
Now, with Trump signaling support, the measure is widely expected to pass—possibly by a large margin. Still, questions remain about whether Trump’s endorsement will influence senators, and what will happen if the bill eventually reaches the Oval Office. If the Senate approves the legislation, it would require Trump’s signature to become law.
Will Trump Actually Approve the Release?
Although Trump now says he supports making the files public, the White House has not confirmed whether he would actually sign the legislation if it reaches his desk. Journalists have sought clarification, but so far, officials have declined to comment.
This uncertainty has fueled speculation that Trump’s public stance may be a political maneuver rather than a firm commitment. If the documents include individuals close to the former president or figures politically aligned with him, some analysts believe he may hesitate once the final decision is in his hands. Others suggest he will ultimately sign the bill to avoid backlash and to maintain his newly adopted position that transparency benefits him and the Republican Party.
Press Conference Expected to Add More Fuel
A major press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, featuring several members of Congress who have been outspoken on the issue, including Marjorie Taylor Greene. Observers expect the event to heighten public interest and intensify pressure on both parties. Greene is expected to further criticize Trump’s earlier opposition, potentially widening the rift between the two. Her comments could also shape public opinion and influence undecided lawmakers.
A Moment of High Stakes
As the political drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the fight over the Epstein files has become more than a debate about transparency. It has become a test of internal party allegiance, a measure of Trump’s influence, and a high-profile moment for victims’ advocates pushing for accountability.
Trump’s sudden U-turn may have reshaped the political landscape around the issue, but it has also opened new questions about the motivations, alliances, and consequences surrounding the release. In the coming days, as Congress moves forward and the public awaits the outcome, the political world will be watching closely—both for the vote itself and for how Trump navigates the fallout of a decision with potentially far-reaching implications.