U.S. President Donald Trump announced on November 20, 2025, via Truth Social that he has signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, compelling the Department of Justice (DOJ) to disclose documents tied to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The move follows months of legislative delays and intensifying partisan clashes over transparency and accountability.
The bill, passed unanimously by the Senate on November 19 after swift House approval, mandates the DOJ to release unclassified records related to Epstein’s prosecution, including flight logs, communications with associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and references to individuals connected to the case. Sensitive information, such as victim identities or active investigations, may remain redacted.
Trump’s decision fulfills a 2024 campaign pledge but comes amid escalating accusations between parties. Last week, House Democrats released Epstein-related documents implicating Trump, prompting Republicans to counter with a larger cache targeting high-profile Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton. Trump has since directed the DOJ to investigate these individuals, framing the action as a response to Democratic "cherry-picking."
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump’s delayed action, stating, "This is about giving the American people the transparency they’ve been crying for." Meanwhile, Trump accused Democrats of using the Epstein case to distract from Republican electoral successes.
Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 under contested circumstances, had ties to numerous influential figures. The released files could reshape public understanding of his network and its political ramifications.
