When will Trump sign the bill to release Epstein files? Here's what we know

In an overwhelming majority, the US Congress voted to force the release of Justice Department files on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The House of Representatives passed the measure with a vote of 427-1, sending a resolution to the Republican-majority Senate, which swiftly approved it. The bill now heads to Trump's desk for his signature. But the main question remains: When will Trump sign the bill?

When will Trump sign the bill?

Just a day ago, Trump, in a major U-turn, said that he would be willing to sign a bill forcing the Department of Justice to release the Epstein files. The president added that he did not want the focus on Epstein to "detract from the great success" of the Republican party. "I'm all for it," he said as he took reporter questions during an event in the Oval Office. Reuters has quoted an unnamed senior White House official saying that Trump will indeed sign the bill when it reaches his desk. As of now, the White House has not informed the White House Press Pool about the signing event at the Oval Office. This story will be updated when the official announcement from the White House comes.

Despite his changed position on the bill, Trump rebuked a reporter as "terrible person" and said the television network the journalist works for should have its license revoked because they keep asking about the Epstein Files. While hosting a visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump said, "I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. I threw him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert." Reuters reported that the fight over the Epstein papers has taken a toll on Trump's public approval, which fell to its lowest point this year in a poll concluded on Monday

What are the Epstein Files?

The Epstein files are a collection of legal documents, court records, and investigative materials connected to Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier accused of operating a sex trafficking ring involving underage girls. These files have drawn international attention due to Epstein’s links to high-profile figures in politics, business, and entertainment. A major part of the Epstein files comes from court cases, a defamation lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most outspoken accusers. In early 2024, hundreds of pages of these court documents were unsealed, revealing names, emails, and testimonies involving powerful individuals, however, large portions remain sealed or redacted. Jeffrey Epstein died under controversial circumstances in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019.