The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly voted in favor of a bill directing the Justice Department to release all Jeffrey Epstein-related files, with the measure passing 427-1. The bipartisan approval marks a significant step toward full public disclosure, though the bill still requires a Senate vote before it can be sent to President Donald Trump to be signed into law. The decision comes amid heightened public interest in Epstein’s network and associations, which have implicated numerous high-profile figures over the years.

President Trump’s stance on the release of the files has been inconsistent. While he initially characterized the effort as a distraction promoted by Democrats, he later urged House Republicans to support the disclosure, asserting that there is “nothing to hide.” Trump’s own name appeared multiple times in emails from Epstein, including suggestions that he may have had knowledge of the illicit activities tied to Epstein’s operations. These mentions have fueled renewed scrutiny of the former president’s connections to the late financier.

Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died by suicide in a New York prison six years ago while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking. Despite his death, Epstein’s activities and relationships have remained a focal point in U.S. political discourse, particularly during Trump’s second term. The ongoing release of documents continues to shed light on the breadth of Epstein’s network and the potential exposure of prominent individuals, both political and social, to his criminal enterprise.

Following the leak of emails containing his name, Trump used social media to criticize Democrats for revisiting the Epstein issue, labeling it a “hoax” and accusing them of trying to distract from other political challenges, including the government shutdown. He warned Republicans against being drawn into the controversy, framing the focus on Epstein as a diversion that detracts from efforts to address the country’s pressing economic and political issues. Trump emphasized that Republicans should prioritize reopening the government and mitigating damage he attributes to Democratic actions.

The House vote represents a rare moment of bipartisan consensus on the matter, highlighting the political and public pressure for transparency regarding Epstein’s activities and associations. If the Senate approves the measure, the public could gain unprecedented access to the full scope of Epstein-related files, potentially clarifying lingering questions about his connections to influential figures, including President Trump. The ongoing document releases underscore both the enduring significance of Epstein’s criminal network and the complex political ramifications of disclosing such high-profile information.