WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation mandating the release of all files related to late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The measure passed with a vote of 427-1 last week, following President Donald Trump’s decision to sign it into law.
This marks a reversal for the administration regarding the so-called “Epstein Files.” Earlier this year, during his campaign, President Trump indicated he would release Epstein’s client list, suggesting transparency on what many Americans viewed as an opaque government matter. However, public opinion has largely soured on that approach and similar actions by the White House since taking office.
The new law requires the Justice Department to disclose previously withheld records concerning Epstein’s connections while incarcerated at maximum-security facilities in Florida and Virginia.
Critics argue these disclosures could provide crucial insights into potential dealings between Epstein and government officials. Trump himself, a long-time critic of traditional politics, has found himself unexpectedly targeted by transparency demands from Congress during his presidency.
The legislation passed last week is seen as setting an important precedent for holding the administration accountable to information requests regarding national security matters involving foreign leaders and regimes that emerged later under questioning about conflict-of-interest concerns.
