On Sunday, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Republican members of Congress to vote in favor of releasing all documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier charged with sex trafficking of minors who was found dead in prison in 2019.
Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, writing, "House Republicans should vote to unveil the Epstein files because we have nothing to hide, and it’s time to move on from this Democrat hoax engineered by radical left lunatics."
The vote is set for Tuesday and aims to declassify thousands of pages connected to the Epstein case. This shift comes just four days after Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released three of Epstein's emails, including one claiming Trump "spent hours" with one of Epstein's network victims.
Trump, once a friend of Epstein before publicly distancing himself, stated that the Department of Justice has already provided tens of thousands of pages about Epstein and that "Republicans should focus on the party's achievements, not political traps."
"The Oversight Committee can have whatever they are legally entitled to, I don’t care!" Trump wrote. "What I do care about is Republicans refocusing on crucial matters: the economy, reducing inflation, record investment in America, and rebuilding our military," he added.
In his lengthy post, Trump accused Democrats of trying to distract from Republican successes, highlighting tax cuts, border security, and the deportation of illegal immigrants as key achievements.
"No one cared about Epstein when he was alive, and if Democrats had anything, they would have released it before our landslide election victory," he stated.
The former president also claimed that "some members of the Republican Party are being used" and warned against falling into the "Epstein trap," which he described as a "curse for the Democrats, not for us."
Trump's Shift in Stance
Trump's position marks a significant change, as he opposed the release of the documents just days ago. The shift occurred after a petition to force the vote gained sufficient support, even among Republican legislators.
Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie estimated that around a hundred Republicans might vote in favor of declassification, nearly half of the party's caucus.
If passed in the House, the measure would still require Senate approval and Trump's own signature to take effect.
Recent Context
The release of Epstein's emails has reignited questions about his connection with Trump. In one email, Epstein wrote to Ghislaine Maxwell, his associate convicted of sex trafficking, that the current president "spent hours" at his home with a young victim.
The White House firmly denied the allegations, accusing Democrats of "manipulating selective information for political purposes."
Epstein, who had ties with powerful figures in politics and business, was convicted in 2008 for soliciting minors. His death in a New York cell remains controversial.
Trump maintains that he severed all ties with Epstein over a decade ago and that recent leaks aim to "discredit him" ahead of the 2026 election year.
Understanding the Political Implications of the Epstein Files
Why is Trump now supporting the release of the Epstein documents?
Trump has shifted his stance following increased pressure from a petition that gained support, including from Republican lawmakers. He argues that the release will counteract what he sees as a Democrat-fueled distraction from Republican successes.
What are the potential impacts if the Epstein files are released?
Releasing the Epstein files could lead to new revelations about high-profile individuals associated with Epstein. It may also influence public opinion and political dynamics, especially if new evidence emerges connecting prominent figures to Epstein's activities.