Momentum is building in Washington as the House prepares for a landmark vote that could force the release of long-withheld files connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal network. Survivors stood shoulder-to-shoulder with lawmakers from both parties on Tuesday, urging Congress to prioritize transparency over politics after years of public pressure and speculation over what the unreleased documents contain. The bipartisan push has rapidly grown into one of the most closely watched political battles of the year.

The vote comes as the issue reaches a critical turning point: President Donald Trump, who previously opposed releasing the files and sharply criticized Republicans who supported the effort, suddenly reversed his position when it became clear he could not stop the bill. With public interest soaring and survivors demanding closure, Washington is bracing for the next chapter in the long-running Epstein scandal.

Survivors Demand Transparency as Lawmakers Unite Across Party Lines

More than a dozen Epstein survivors gathered outside the U.S. Capitol, pleading with Congress to put aside political allegiances. They described the legislation as a crucial step toward uncovering decades of alleged institutional failures. “It’s time we put political agendas aside,” survivor Haley Robson said as she held up a photo of her younger self. Others emphasized that the fight for the files is not about any individual politician, but about confronting a system that allowed Epstein’s crimes to persist.

Lawmakers echoed the survivors’ demand for transparency. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, who sponsored the bill, called the scandal “one of the most horrific corruption cases in American history.” He warned that as long as these files remain sealed, public trust suffers. With four Republicans joining Democrats to force the vote over House leadership’s objections, the coalition behind the measure reflects a rare moment of bipartisanship in a deeply divided Congress.

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Trump’s Reversal: A Political Retreat After Mounting Pressure

According to reporting from CNN, Trump’s shift came when advisers warned him that the vote was assured to pass, even without his support. Facing the prospect of a humiliating defeat on the House floor, he embraced the measure publicly, saying he would sign it if it reached his desk. It marked a rare tactical retreat for a president who has largely dominated congressional Republicans since taking office.

Behind the scenes, however, Trump remains deeply unhappy with the political fallout. Allies say he fears ongoing scrutiny linking him to Epstein, a relationship he insists ended long before Epstein’s 2019 arrest. He has also expressed frustration that the issue is overshadowing his policy messaging ahead of the 2026 midterms. His reversal comes after days of attacking members of his own party, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, whom he labeled a “traitor” for supporting the transparency bill.

MTG and GOP Defectors Accused of Betrayal, But Stand Their Ground

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has faced Trump’s public wrath, said she refused to remove her name from the petition and would not abandon the survivors. “These women fought the most horrific fight,” she said. “I stood with them even when the president attacked me.” Greene and Rep. Thomas Massie have both said the fight is far from over, warning that the DOJ could still slow or block the release of the files by opening new investigations.

Their stance highlights growing fractures within the Republican Party as the vote approaches. For some lawmakers, supporting the bill is a matter of principle. For others, it’s a political calculation, one reflecting the public’s demand for answers about a scandal that refuses to fade.

What Happens After the House Vote: The Real Battle May Be at the DOJ

Even if the House passes the bill with overwhelming support, the next hurdle is the Senate, where GOP leadership has not committed to bringing the measure to the floor quickly, or at all. Senate Majority Leader John Thune remains noncommittal, raising fears among advocates that the process may stall.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department looms as the final gatekeeper. With Trump ordering a new investigation into individuals connected to Epstein, including Bill Clinton and Larry Summers, critics fear the DOJ could invoke ongoing investigations to delay or withhold files. The White House denies any plan to obstruct Congress, but the concerns reflect a long history of secrecy in the Epstein case.

FAQ

Will Congress release the Epstein files?

The House is poised to vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and bipartisan support makes passage highly likely. The Senate, however, has not guaranteed a vote, making the outcome uncertain.

What exactly are the Epstein files?

The Epstein files include unclassified documents, communications, and investigative materials gathered by federal agencies over decades. They may detail Epstein’s criminal network, associates, and institutional failures that allowed his abuse to continue.

Why did Trump reverse his position on releasing the files?

Trump reversed course after advisers warned him he could not stop the House vote and risked an embarrassing public defeat. His shift is widely seen as a tactical move, not a change in sentiment.

Is there a client list in the Epstein files?

A DOJ review earlier this year stated there is no formal “client list.” However, survivors and lawmakers argue that many documents remain undisclosed and may still contain names of individuals who had contact with Epstein.

Can the DOJ block the release of these files?

Yes. If the DOJ launches new investigations involving individuals linked to Epstein, it could legally cite those as grounds to delay or restrict document release. Lawmakers fear this may happen.

What are survivors asking for?

Survivors are demanding full transparency, accountability, and an end to what they describe as decades of institutional betrayal. They want Congress to release all remaining files without redactions or political interference.

How soon could the files be made public?

Even if Congress passes the bill, release could take months. The Senate must also approve the measure, and the DOJ controls the timeline for processing and releasing the documents.