US lawmakers have approved the Epstein Files Transparency Act, clearing the way for the release of government documents on Jeffrey Epstein. Congress voted almost unanimously after President Donald Trump gave up efforts to block the bill. He had pressured his allies to stop its passage, but support inside the Republican Party collapsed.
Trump said the file release would expose links between high-profile Democrats and Epstein. However, the president also faces new scrutiny over his long friendship with the disgraced financier. Trump now says he expelled Epstein from his club years ago.
Lawmakers argue the public deserves clarity in a case involving more than 1,000 alleged victims. Survivor Haley Robson questioned Trump’s motives, saying she remained skeptical after years of trauma.
The Justice Department can still withhold documents if publication threatens ongoing investigations. Trump had once campaigned on releasing the files but opposed transparency after entering office. A rare internal revolt pushed the bill forward as Democrats and four Republicans forced a vote.
Activists and officials now wait to see whether the Justice Department will reveal the long-awaited material or delay release under federal review.
