Trump Supports Release of Epstein Files After Reversing Earlier Position

WASHINGTON, Nov 16 — U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his earlier stance and is now encouraging Republican lawmakers to vote in favor of releasing Justice Department documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump’s shift follows comments from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said that releasing the files could help address ongoing questions about the case and remove speculation surrounding various public figures, including Trump.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that releasing the documents would help bring clarity and allow the country to move forward.

Trump and Epstein were photographed together many years ago, though Trump has stated that he ended contact with Epstein long before his convictions. Recently released emails from a House committee mentioned Epstein’s belief that Trump “knew about the girls,” though the meaning of the phrase remains unclear and unverified.

The discussion over releasing additional Epstein-related documents has created disagreements among some Republican members of Congress. Trump also withdrew his political support from Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene after policy disagreements, including her comments about the file release process.

Democratic Representative Ro Khanna, who helped introduce the request for a vote on the file release, said he expects more than 40 Republicans to support making the documents public. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the House.

A vote is expected soon, which could determine how much of the Epstein-related material becomes available to the public.