Trump urges Republicans to back release of full Epstein files

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Republican lawmakers to vote in favour of releasing all government-held files related to the late convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, marking a sharp reversal from his earlier stance.

In a statement posted late Sunday, Trump urged members of his own party in the House of Representatives to support a bill mandating the publication of all documents concerning Epstein and the criminal investigations surrounding him.

“Republicans should vote to release everything — because we have nothing to hide,” the president wrote, signalling a break from his recent reluctance to back full disclosure.

Trump’s change of tone follows weeks of steady document releases by House Democrats, some of which included references to the president. Trump has long denied any involvement in Epstein’s sex-abuse and trafficking activities, insisting that his past interactions with the disgraced financier were limited and non-criminal.

Still, renewed public scrutiny of Epstein’s connections to prominent political, business and academic figures has stirred speculation and political tension in Washington — including a rare public clash between Trump and one of his key political allies.

With pressure mounting, several Republican lawmakers have indicated they are now prepared to back the measure compelling the government to disclose all Epstein-related files. Congressional aides say the number of GOP members willing to break ranks could be “in the dozens,” potentially giving the bipartisan bill enough momentum to advance.

Democrats, who have led the push for transparency, said full disclosure is essential to restoring public trust. Republicans cautious about the move warn that a blanket release could expose sensitive materials or compromise unrelated investigations.

The vote is expected in the coming days, with both parties bracing for potential political fallout as one of America’s most controversial and closely watched cases re-enters the national spotlight.