Trump Urges House Republicans to Vote for Epstein Files Release

President Donald Trump has made a significant shift in his stance regarding the release of files linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a post on Truth Social, he urged House Republicans to vote in favor of releasing the Epstein files, stating, 'We have nothing to hide' and describing the push for transparency as a way to move on from what he termed a 'Democrat Hoax' aimed at deflecting from Republican successes.

This call for transparency comes as the House prepares to vote this week on legislation that would compel the release of all unclassified records related to Epstein's case, including flight logs and communications from the Department of Justice.

Trump's reversal is particularly notable because he had previously opposed the release of these files, which has caused friction within his own party. Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized that lawmakers face a choice between protecting their political futures and honoring their constituents' desire for transparency.

He warned that voting against the bill could equate to 'voting to protect pedophiles' and that this vote's record would outlast Trump's presidency. Despite Trump's previous attempts to pressure Republican members to withdraw their support from the discharge petition that forced this vote, he now acknowledges that there is enough Republican support to pass the measure.

The petition reached the necessary 218 signatures after the recent swearing-in of Representative Adelita Grijalva from Arizona, which allows the vote to proceed despite attempts from House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump to block it.

Meanwhile, there has been notable tension between Trump and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has advocated for the release of the Epstein files and criticized Trump for not aligning with the original priorities of the MAGA movement.

Greene's support for transparency has put her at odds with Trump, who has publicly distanced himself from her, suggesting she has become a 'traitor to our country.' As the vote approaches, some Republicans seem ready to defy Trump's previous directive, with Massie predicting that as many as 100 GOP members might back the bill.

However, even if the House passes the measure, it will face hurdles in the Senate, where a significant number of Republican votes will be required to secure its passage. Trump's recent comments also follow the release of new emails related to Epstein that suggest he had knowledge of interactions involving victims, adding further complexity to his position.

This evolving situation underscores a potential shift in party dynamics as Trump navigates his relationship with House Republicans amidst growing calls for accountability regarding Epstein's notorious network.