Trump signs a law directing the US Justice Department to make the Epstein files public.

In a major turning point in the months-long dispute over the records, US President Donald Trump claims to have approved a bill that mandates the release of government files on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

 All information from federal investigations into Epstein must now be made public by the Justice Department within 30 days.  Files that are thought to violate someone's privacy or are connected to ongoing criminal investigations, however, may be withheld.

 Following criticism from Epstein's victims and members of his own Republican Party, Trump reversed his opposition to the bill last weekend.

 The resolution was overwhelmingly approved by both chambers of Congress with his backing.

Up until recently, Trump had downplayed the necessity of making the documents public, characterising it as a "hoax" orchestrated by Democrats to "deflect" attention from the efforts of his party.  In and of itself, that posture was different from his position prior to the 2024 election.

 "Perhaps the truth about these Democrats, and their associations with Jeffrey Epstein, will soon be revealed, because I HAVE JUST SIGNED THE BILL TO RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES!" he stated.

 Lawmakers in the House passed the legislation 427-1, despite the fact that a congressional vote was not necessary to release the files—Trump could have ordered the release on his own.  When the bill arrived, the Senate unanimously approved it, delivering it to Trump to sign.

Republican Clay Higgins of Louisiana cast the only vote against the motion in the lower house, the House, citing concerns about the amount of information that could be disclosed.  He said that it may expose and endanger "thousands of innocent people" who might have discussed accusations against Epstein with investigators.

 Attorney General Pam Bondi is required by the bill that Trump recently signed to make the information available within 30 days.