Donald Trump recommends publishing the Epstein files.Image: keystone
November 17, 2025, 05:42November 17, 2025, 05:43
US President Donald Trump, who has come under pressure, is recommending that members of his Republican Party vote in the House of Representatives to publish the files on the case of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. It is time to release the files “because we have nothing to hide,” the Republican wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Until now, Trump had vehemently spoken out against disclosing the investigation files in the case. Democrats in the opposition, but also some of Trump’s Republicans, have been pushing for this for months.
What is the Epstein case about?
The influential US multimillionaire Epstein ran an abuse ring for many years, which victimized dozens of young women and minors. He also committed suicide against his victims. After his arrest and conviction as a criminal, the financier from New York died in his prison cell in 2019 at the age of 66. The autopsy report listed suicide as the cause of death.
Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were once friends.image: X
Epstein’s sudden death and his wide contacts in American high society sparked speculation about the possible involvement of influential circles. Before his arrest, celebrities and billionaires were in and out of his house – Trump also spent time with Epstein, as several party videos show. There are extensive files on the case, from which only excerpts are known so far.
During the election campaign, Trump promised to fully disclose the Epstein files. However, because this promise has not been kept since he took office in January, the president is under increasing pressure.
If the House of Representatives votes for disclosure, the other chamber in the US Congress – the Senate – would have to agree. And the US President would have to sign the whole thing. It is unclear whether this will happen. (sda/dpa)
More on the Epstein files: