In a significant reversal, former President Donald Trump has signed into law a bill that compels the US Justice Department to release a trove of documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Months of Resistance Ends in Surprise Move
The decision, announced on Wednesday night, follows months of resistance from Trump and his political allies in Congress. This stance had created notable fractures within his Make America Great Again (MAGA) base and led to rifts with some of his long-time supporters.
Trump had previously fought vigorously against the release of the Epstein files, repeatedly dismissing the issue as a "hoax" and criticising those advocating for transparency, despite having promised their release during his campaign. The political dynamic shifted dramatically in recent days as it became clear the House of Representatives would pass the legislation with overwhelming support. In a stark change of tone, Trump stated, "We have nothing to hide."
What the Epstein Documents Bill Mandates
The newly signed legislation mandates the US Attorney General to make unclassified Epstein-related documents publicly available in a searchable and downloadable format. The scope of materials is extensive and includes:
- All investigations into Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
- Epstein's flight logs and travel records.
- Individuals referenced or named in connection with his crimes.
- Entities linked to his trafficking or financial networks.
- Immunity deals and other plea agreements.
- Internal communications regarding charging decisions.
- Documentation of his detention and death.
- Details about any file deletions.
The Justice Department now has 30 days to comply with the request. However, the bill does allow for specific exceptions, including the redaction of identifying information for victims, any depictions of child sexual abuse, materials that could jeopardise active investigations, and graphic content related to death or abuse.
Other Key Developments from Washington
In other significant news from the US capital, federal prosecutors conceded that the full grand jury did not see the final indictment against former FBI director James Comey, creating challenges for their case. Meanwhile, a man pardoned by Trump for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot has been arrested in Florida on multiple child sexual abuse charges.
In a controversial environmental analysis, it was found that Trump's anti-climate agenda could result in 1.3 million additional deaths globally, with the vast majority occurring outside the United States. The State Department also moved to cut 38 prestigious universities, including Harvard and Yale, from a federal research programme over their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices.
Further scrutiny fell on the Trump administration's immigration policies after data revealed that over 97% of immigrants detained in a Chicago raid had no criminal conviction, contradicting official claims of targeting the "worst of the worst."
