Amid mounting pressure from his political opponents and members of his own base, US President Donald Trump signed legislation on Wednesday to compel the Justice Department to release files on the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
In a post on X, Trump said the measure would help reveal the truth about some Democrats and their connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein, who had ties to powerful figures, died in 2019 by suicide in a Manhattan prison.
The Justice Department will release its files on Epstein within 30 days, as required by legislation passed by the Republican-controlled House and Senate, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed.
Even if Trump signed the bill, it does not guarantee the release of all the files, as several documents may remain confidential.
The Justice Department often cited the need to protect the investigation while withholding information from the public.
According to Reuters, the release of the files may not be comprehensive because legislation passed by Congress includes a provision that allows the Justice Department to withhold personal information about Epstein’s victims.
The New York Times reported that under the legislation, the Trump administration could withhold records that identify victims or contain images of child sexual abuse or are otherwise classified.
The legislation also allows records to be withheld if they would jeopardize an active federal investigation.
Insiders warn that even with the president’s signature, his administration could rely on procedural delays or a lengthy federal investigation to keep explosive details out of the public eye, AFP reported.
Democrat Chuck Schumer said that once the president signs the law, he must faithfully apply and implement it.
There must be no fun from Donald Trump. He must not use the pretext of a frivolous investigation to release some Epstein documents while deliberately withholding others that deserve to be seen by the American public.”
When Attorney General Pam Bondi pressed on the rationale for further investigation, she said there was “new information, additional information”.
“If there are any victims, we encourage all victims to come forward,” she told reporters. “And we will continue to ensure maximum transparency according to the law,” she added.
“We will continue to follow the law and promote maximum transparency,” Bondi said.
