Despite strong support in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate for a bill mandating the disclosure of information regarding Jeffrey Epstein, concerns persist among some legislators that President Donald Trump may find ways to avoid revealing details about the late sex trafficker’s actions. The worry stems from the possibility that the Department of Justice (DOJ) could use a legal loophole, initiated by Trump, to withhold crucial documents pertaining to investigations into Epstein’s exploitation of underage girls.
The bill, known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, was passed by Congress on Tuesday. It grants the DOJ authority to hold back or redact any records that could compromise an ongoing federal investigation or prosecution. Republican Thomas Massie, a co-sponsor of the bill, expressed apprehension about Trump’s recent decision to launch multiple investigations after downplaying the Epstein case for months. Massie suggested that these investigations might serve as a justification for not releasing the files, alleging that influential figures close to the president could be implicated.
Once signed by Trump, the bill mandates the DOJ to release all unclassified materials related to its inquiries into Epstein’s criminal activities within 30 days. The administration had the option to do so independently but had resisted since July when the DOJ declared a halt to further disclosures related to the Epstein probe and claimed to have no client list for Epstein. Trump had previously urged Republicans to avoid discussing Epstein and had dismissed calls for transparency as a partisan ploy.
Advocates for transparency view these actions as indications that the Trump administration may continue to delay the full disclosure of the files. Legal representatives for Epstein’s victims, such as Spencer Kuvin, voiced concerns about Trump’s motives behind the recent investigations, suggesting a potential strategy to withhold information under the guise of ongoing inquiries. Kuvin mentioned the possibility of legal action by survivors to compel the release of the materials if the administration attempts to withhold them.
Survivor Jena-Lisa Jones, who had supported Trump, urged the president not to politicize the issue of sexual abuse and emphasized the importance of releasing the files for moral reasons. Jones stressed that sexual abuse transcends political affiliations and should not be exploited for political gain. She called on Trump to uphold ethical principles and support the public disclosure of the Epstein files.