US President Donald Trump has signed a bill that orders the release of government files on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein - a significant turning point in a months-long fight over the documents.
The justice department now has 30 days to publicly share all information from federal investigations into Epstein. However, it can withhold files that relate to active criminal investigations or are deemed to invade personal privacy.
In a major reversal, Trump dropped his opposition to the measure last weekend, after pushback from Epstein's victims and members of his own Republican Party.
With his support, the resolution overwhelmingly cleared both chambers of Congress.
Until recently, Trump had dismissed the need to release the documents, calling it a Democrat-led hoax to deflect attention away from his party's work. That position was itself a change from the stance he took ahead of the 2024 election.
Under the law now signed by Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi must release the documents within 30 days. The files subject to release are from criminal investigations into Epstein, including transcripts of interviews with victims and witnesses, and items seized in raids of his properties. However, documents related to criminal investigations may be withheld, creating concerns about the transparency of the release.
Trump's actions follow significant political pressure from within Congress, where lawmakers across both parties demanded accountability and the identification of individuals connected to Epstein's activities.
The family of Virginia Giuffre, a prominent advocate for justice for Epstein's victims, called the signing of the bill monumental for survivors. As the nation looks toward the release of these files, advocates stress the importance of protecting the privacy and rights of victims involved.
