US President Donald Trump has urged lawmakers in his own party to vote to release files relating to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump wrote on Sunday night that Republicans in the House of Representatives should do so 'because we have nothing to hide.'
This marks a significant reversal from Trump after initially stating that calls to vote on the release were merely a Democratic distraction.
Documents concerning Epstein have been gradually released by House Democrats, with some references to Trump, who has always denied any link to Epstein's activities.
Despite previously downplaying the need for such transparency, numerous Republicans have signaled their willingness to support a bill that would require the government to publish all documents linked to Epstein.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act is gaining traction among legislators, showing a potential for enough votes to pass in the House, though the Senate’s support remains in question. The documents that have been withheld, often referred to as the Epstein files, include sensitive information such as interview transcripts with victims.
Epstein was found dead in his New York prison cell in 2019, ruled a suicide, while awaiting trial on charges related to sex trafficking.
Trump's comments follow new disclosures of emails related to Epstein, which have reignited discussions about his past connections with the financier. Trump's shift seems motivated by a desire to curb speculation amid ongoing investigations and public interest.
We’ll keep an eye on how this evolves and what it means for Trump's presidency and the broader implications for those involved in Epstein’s network.
