House prepares vote on Epstein files as President Trump reverses position
As the House prepares for a vote this week aimed at forcing the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
(NBC)- As the House prepares for a vote this week aimed at forcing the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, President Trump is shifting course. Overnight, he posted: “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide.”
The president has long opposed the effort, calling the push by Democrats a hoax. He has also condemned Republicans backing the bill — including Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a close ally. She says she has received threats following Trump’s recent criticism. Trump brushed off those concerns, saying he doesn’t believe her life is in danger.
The president, who was once acquainted with Epstein but has never been charged in connection with his sex trafficking crimes, insists he has done nothing wrong. Now he says he doesn’t care whether the files are released and wants Republicans to refocus on other priorities.
Meanwhile, the bipartisan lawmakers leading the effort, Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna, reject any claims of partisanship and expect the vote to pass overwhelmingly. Massie says he anticipates “a deluge of Republicans,” while Khanna says the effort is about justice for survivors, not politics.
Survivors of Epstein’s abuse are preparing to rally at the Capitol this week, urging lawmakers to remember the human cost behind the case. Annie Farmer, one of the survivors, says the files are essential for accountability.
