President Trump dramatically reversed course on Sunday, calling for the release of Jeffrey Epstein files while branding Democrats as desperate actors using the scandal to distract from Republican victories.
Story Highlights
- Trump now supports releasing Epstein files after previous resistance from his administration.
- The president claims Democrats are using the Epstein scandal as a “hoax” to deflect from GOP success.
- House vote scheduled for Tuesday following bipartisan pressure from Reps. Massie and Khanna.
- Trump labels Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene a “traitor” for criticizing his previous stance.
Trump’s Strategic Pivot on Transparency
President Trump announced his support for releasing Jeffrey Epstein investigative files through a Truth Social post on November 16, 2025. Trump declared, “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide.”
The statement represents a complete reversal from his administration’s previous position, where the Department of Justice had refused to make investigative materials public despite earlier promises from Attorney General Pam Bondi and other officials.
Trump says House Republicans should vote to release Epstein files in stunning reversal: ‘Nothing to hide’ https://t.co/q6aM4xFN2j pic.twitter.com/qJm5Fh7RoK
— New York Post (@nypost) November 17, 2025
Democrats Targeted in Epstein Investigation
Trump positioned the file release as an opportunity to expose Democratic operatives connected to Epstein’s network. The president specifically mentioned former President Bill Clinton and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers as subjects of DOJ examination.
Trump characterized the entire Epstein controversy as a “Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics” designed to overshadow Republican achievements, including their recent victory in avoiding a government shutdown.
Clinton’s spokesperson declined immediate comment on Trump’s late-night social media allegations.
Bipartisan House Pressure Forces Vote
The House of Representatives will vote on Tuesday on legislation demanding the release of criminal investigative files about Epstein. Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democrat Ro Khanna of California spearheaded the bipartisan effort.
A congressional petition gained sufficient support to force the vote, with Trump allies including Representatives Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Lauren Boebert of Colorado signing on.
The DOJ has already released tens of thousands of pages related to Epstein, but lawmakers seek access to additional investigative materials.
Republican Unity Fractures Over Epstein Files
Trump’s relationship with Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia deteriorated over the weekend regarding Epstein file transparency. Greene criticized Trump’s previous reluctance to release materials, prompting the president to label her a “traitor” in a separate Truth Social post.
Greene had accused Trump of attacking her to intimidate other Republicans before the House vote. The president argued some Republican members were being “used” and urged the party to “get BACK ON POINT” regarding their priorities.
Background Context and Political Implications
Trump faces renewed scrutiny over past associations with Epstein, who died by apparent suicide in August 2019 while facing child sex trafficking charges.
The House Oversight Committee recently released thousands of emails showing communications between Epstein and others discussing Trump, though no explicit wrongdoing was alleged.
Trump maintains he had a falling out with Epstein in the early 2000s and denies knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities. This transparency push allows Trump to demonstrate openness while potentially exposing Democratic connections to the scandal.
