Trump wants GOP to back release of Epstein files

President Donald Trump reversed course Sunday night and urged House Republicans to support releasing Justice Department files related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The House will vote this week after a bipartisan petition hit the crucial 218 signatures, automatically triggering action. 

The petition included every Democrat and four Republicans, signaling broad frustration over the continued secrecy surrounding Epstein’s network.

Trump had spent months pressuring Republicans to oppose the measure, arguing it was a “Democrat Hoax” aimed at damaging the party. However, GOP leaders warned that resistance was backfiring, drawing even more public attention.

Dozens of Republicans were preparing to break with Trump, creating the risk of an embarrassing floor defeat for the White House.

Speaker Mike Johnson, who had previously opposed the release, said the House will settle the issue this week to avoid further political fallout. 

The bipartisan measure championed by Reps. Thomas Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Ro Khanna would require the Justice Department to turn over its Epstein-related files.

If it passes the House, it will be sent to the Senate and then to Trump’s desk.