Trump’s Stunning U-Turn: President Demands House GOP Release Epstein Files as Party Fight Explodes
Trump Surprises GOP by Backing Release of Epstein Files
In a major political twist, President Donald Trump has reversed course and is now urging House Republicans to vote in favor of releasing all federal files connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case. The shift comes after weeks of resistance from Trump and growing internal tension within the Republican Party.
Trump announced his new stance late Sunday on social media shortly after landing at Joint Base Andrews. His message was direct: Republicans should move forward with the release so the party can refocus on its broader goals.
Trump’s Reversal Shakes Up a Divided GOP
Trump’s sudden endorsement of the bill marks a rare instance where he has stepped back due to internal party pressure. Many Republicans had already signaled they would support the release of the Epstein documents, setting up what appeared to be an inevitable House vote.
His reversal also comes amid an increasingly bitter public dispute with Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, once one of his strongest allies. The divide within the party has grown sharper in recent weeks as more Republicans agreed to back the measure.
Even as he shifted his position, Trump maintained his criticism of those pushing the bill, calling the focus on Epstein a distraction. But he made it clear the political fight was no longer worth the energy.
Growing Support for Releasing the Epstein Files
House lawmakers backing the bill say they expect a major victory this week. According to them, dozens of Republicans are prepared to break from party leadership and vote in favor of releasing the documents.
The bill would require the Justice Department to make public all files related to Epstein, including communications and details about the investigation into his death in federal custody. Sensitive information involving victims or ongoing investigations could still be redacted.
Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky said he believes the bill could receive as many as 100 Republican votes, potentially creating a veto-proof majority.
How the Bill Forced Republican Leadership Into a Corner
Representative Ro Khanna and Representative Massie filed a rare discharge petition months earlier to bypass GOP leadership and force a floor vote. It required 218 signatures and initially faced heavy resistance.
Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the effort and even sent lawmakers home early for recess when the push for an Epstein vote disrupted the Republican agenda. Democrats later claimed that delaying the swearing in of Representative Adelita Grijalva was an attempt to slow the petition. Once she took office last week, she immediately became the 218th signature required.
Trump Tries to Redirect the GOP
Trump’s social media statement revealed his frustration with the ongoing internal battle. He wrote that he did not care about the release of the documents and only wanted Republicans to return their focus to party priorities.
His new position signals both a reluctant concession and an acknowledgment that the bill is likely to pass the House regardless.
A Growing Rift Within the Party
The political fallout is already evident. Massie openly said that Trump, Johnson and others who had opposed the bill would face a major loss once the vote is finalized. He added he was not “tired of winning,” highlighting confidence that the measure will succeed.
The ongoing debate marks one of the most unusual and dramatic internal showdowns in the GOP since Trump returned to the presidency. It also underscores how deeply the Epstein case continues to influence public and political discourse.
