President Trump has stepped up his pressure campaign on congressional Republicans to block the full release of the Justice Department's files related to Jeffrey Epstein, just days before a critical House vote. The decision comes as new revelations about Trump's long history with the convicted sex trafficker have surfaced.
The bombshell release of scores of Epstein's emails has shed light on the president's connections to the notorious figure, including previously unknown details about his involvement. In response, Trump declared that he would instead ask the Department of Justice to investigate Epstein's ties with Democrats, singling out individuals such as Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, and Reid Hoffman.
The move comes despite mounting pressure from Republicans who want greater transparency on the Epstein affair. Dozens are expected to vote in favor of a discharge petition aimed at releasing all investigative files within 30 days, but it remains uncertain if the bill will clear the Senate and be signed by Trump.
Sources close to the White House have revealed that top officials summoned several Republican lawmakers to pressure them into opposing the legislation. Trump also personally contacted some representatives, including Lauren Boebert, who had signed the petition, in an effort to persuade them not to support it.
The decision has been met with skepticism from Democrats on the House oversight committee, who released new emails suggesting that Trump was aware of Epstein's activities. The latest release included an email where one of the victims described Trump as a "dog that hasn't barked" and another where the convicted paedophile claimed Trump knew about his conduct.
Despite these developments, Senate leaders have expressed no intention of bringing the bill to a vote. Trump has repeatedly criticized the effort, calling it a "Democrat hoax." The fate of the Epstein files remains uncertain, leaving many wondering if the full truth will ever be revealed.
The bombshell release of scores of Epstein's emails has shed light on the president's connections to the notorious figure, including previously unknown details about his involvement. In response, Trump declared that he would instead ask the Department of Justice to investigate Epstein's ties with Democrats, singling out individuals such as Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, and Reid Hoffman.
The move comes despite mounting pressure from Republicans who want greater transparency on the Epstein affair. Dozens are expected to vote in favor of a discharge petition aimed at releasing all investigative files within 30 days, but it remains uncertain if the bill will clear the Senate and be signed by Trump.
Sources close to the White House have revealed that top officials summoned several Republican lawmakers to pressure them into opposing the legislation. Trump also personally contacted some representatives, including Lauren Boebert, who had signed the petition, in an effort to persuade them not to support it.
The decision has been met with skepticism from Democrats on the House oversight committee, who released new emails suggesting that Trump was aware of Epstein's activities. The latest release included an email where one of the victims described Trump as a "dog that hasn't barked" and another where the convicted paedophile claimed Trump knew about his conduct.
Despite these developments, Senate leaders have expressed no intention of bringing the bill to a vote. Trump has repeatedly criticized the effort, calling it a "Democrat hoax." The fate of the Epstein files remains uncertain, leaving many wondering if the full truth will ever be revealed.