Pressure mounts for Epstein files as lawmakers demand transparency

Calls for the release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case continue to grow louder on Capitol Hill.

(CNN)- Calls for the release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case continue to grow louder on Capitol Hill, with lawmakers from both parties urging the Department of Justice to make the files public.

“You’d have to have your head in the sand to say that this is going to go away. It’s not,” said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), one of several Republicans acknowledging the public’s demand for answers.

The renewed scrutiny comes after reports surfaced that former Attorney General Pam Bondi informed President Donald Trump in May that his name appeared in documents connected to the Epstein case. That account contradicts Trump’s recent comments, in which he denied receiving such a briefing.

“She’s given us just a very quick briefing in terms of the credibility of the different things that they’ve seen,” Trump said last week when asked if Bondi mentioned his name was included.

According to White House officials, it remains unclear how prominently Trump is mentioned in the files. Bondi reportedly indicated that the documents also contain the names of other high-profile individuals. A White House official emphasized there is no evidence suggesting Trump was involved in any wrongdoing.

In a surprising development Wednesday, a House Oversight subcommittee voted to subpoena the Justice Department for full access to the Epstein files. At the same time, Oversight Chair James Comer issued a subpoena for Ghislaine Maxwell—Epstein’s former associate, currently serving a sentence for crimes including child sex trafficking. Maxwell is scheduled to be deposed in prison on August 11. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is also expected to meet with her this Thursday.