President Donald Trump signed legislation Wednesday night directing the Justice Department to make public its investigative files on Jeffrey Epstein, starting a 30-day deadline that could produce one of the largest federal document releases in recent memory.
In a Truth Social post, Trump celebrated the bill and argued that Epstein had long-standing ties to prominent Democrats. He pointed to Epstein’s political donations and past associations with figures including former President Bill Clinton, and claimed the new disclosures would shed light on those relationships.
The measure passed by wide margins in both chambers after months of pressure from lawmakers and advocates. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse have pushed for a fuller public accounting of his network for years, and supporters say the law is meant to help bring that transparency.
A federal judge has estimated the Epstein case files at roughly 100,000 pages. The material spans multiple investigations into Epstein, his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and connections to high-profile individuals.
Under the law, Attorney General Pam Bondi must release nearly all relevant documents, including FBI interview summaries, internal Justice Department communications, evidence from past probes, and records related to Epstein’s 2019 death in federal custody. The bill protects certain categories from disclosure, such as victims’ identities, child sexual abuse images, and classified national-security information.
However, it explicitly prohibits withholding or redacting information solely to avoid embarrassment, reputational damage, or political fallout, even when public officials or foreign dignitaries are involved.
Bondi did not give details Wednesday on how the department will manage the release. Asked about timing and scope, she said the DOJ would follow the law and aim for maximum transparency, while leaving open the possibility that some materials might be held back if tied to active investigations.
Recently, Bondi directed U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton to review Epstein’s links to Trump’s political opponents after Trump called for such a probe. The directive drew scrutiny because a July FBI memo had said investigators found no evidence warranting new investigations of uncharged third parties. Bondi has said the new review was prompted by “new information,” without elaborating.
Epstein’s contacts and travel records have been a subject of public controversy for years. Portions of his address book surfaced in 2009 and later became public through court filings and other releases. Those documents and flight logs have included the names of many prominent figures across politics, entertainment, and academia, including Trump. None of the named individuals have been convicted of Epstein-related crimes, and most have denied wrongdoing.
Newly released emails obtained by House Oversight Committee Democrats have again focused attention on Trump’s past interactions with Epstein and Maxwell. The emails include Epstein’s comments about Trump and references to alleged encounters at Epstein’s residence. Democrats have suggested the unnamed victim mentioned in the emails was Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who died by suicide earlier this year.
The law allows the Justice Department to temporarily withhold documents tied to ongoing investigations. Some supporters worry that newly opened probes could be used to delay or limit politically sensitive releases. To address that concern, the bill requires the DOJ to publish a detailed accounting within 15 days of any release, explaining each withheld document and every redaction.
Rep. Thomas Massie, who sponsored the legislation, said he wants the FBI’s victim interview notes made public. “We need names,” he said.
Democrats have also said they plan to monitor compliance closely. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pledged to push for full, unredacted disclosure and warned against any attempt to slow-roll or narrow the release.
With Trump’s signature, the countdown is now in motion. The Justice Department has 30 days to publish all files and communications related to Epstein, including those connected to the investigation of his death in custody.
