Late-night television hosts have launched a scathing critique of former President Donald Trump's position on the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, following a landmark congressional vote that saw near-unanimous approval for transparency.
Congress Forces Epstein Files Release
In a significant development on Tuesday, both the House of Representatives and Senate voted overwhelmingly to authorise the Department of Justice to release investigative files concerning the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The House vote passed with an impressive 427-1 majority, while the Senate later approved the measure unanimously.
Jimmy Kimmel highlighted the extraordinary nature of the political consensus, noting that even House Speaker Mike Johnson ultimately voted in favour of releasing the documents. 'The goal was to have the bill pass by such a large margin that Trump can’t put his little orange thumb on the scale and give it the hold Cheeto veto,' Kimmel remarked during his Tuesday evening monologue.
Trump's Transparency Doubts Surface
Despite the legislative victory, Kimmel expressed deep scepticism about whether the full truth would emerge. 'Make no mistake: this isn’t over. He’s not giving up,' the comedian warned. 'If anyone thinks he’s going to release all of the Epstein files, I’ve got a beautiful East Wing of the White House to sell you.'
The late-night host pointed out that even after the congressional vote, Trump allies within the Justice Department retain the authority to withhold information under various pretexts, including protecting ongoing investigations or national security concerns. Kimmel sarcastically questioned whether officials would abuse this discretion, given the high-profile nature of the case involving numerous powerful figures.
Colbert Joins the Fray
Stephen Colbert also dedicated significant airtime to the Epstein files development, describing the rare congressional unity as remarkable. 'When it comes to Congress, it’s increasingly rare that things happen,' Colbert observed before celebrating what he termed 'Epstein Rockin’ Eve' – a reference to the potential revelations contained within the documents.
Colbert particularly mocked Trump and Speaker Johnson's sudden embrace of transparency after months of resistance. Playing a clip of Johnson claiming Republicans had always supported maximum transparency, Colbert retorted: 'Yes, the president has always supported maximum transparency, a healthy diet of leafy greens and the understated androgynous sensuality of a flat-chested woman.'
The criticism extended beyond the Epstein case to Trump's recent meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. When journalists raised the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi – which US intelligence concluded was authorised by the prince – Trump dismissed the questioning as embarrassing to his guest. Colbert mocked this response, suggesting the Crown Prince might feel 'self-conscious when he tries to chop up somebody like you.'
Broader Late-Night Criticism
Seth Meyers joined his colleagues in scrutinising Trump's behaviour, focusing on a recent meeting where Swiss officials presented the former president with a Rolex desktop clock and a personalised gold bar. 'So now foreign officials are just openly giving him gold?' Meyers wondered, comparing the situation to a 'live-action political cartoon.'
Meyers also highlighted Trump's recent interview with a British right-wing news channel, where the former president confused the phrase 'raising children' with 'growing children'. The host quipped about Trump's claim of never drinking or taking drugs: 'Maybe one of the best endorsements I’ve ever heard for drinking and doing drugs.'
As the Epstein documents prepare to move to the White House for likely presidential approval, late-night television continues to serve as a prominent platform questioning whether complete transparency will ultimately prevail in one of the most controversial cases involving powerful political and business figures.
