US President Donald Trump has signed a bill ordering the justice department to release all its files from its investigation into convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The legislation, approved overwhelmingly in both the House of Representatives and Senate, mandates that the files be presented in a searchable and downloadable format within 30 days.
Trump announced the signing on his Truth Social platform, indicating a significant shift in his previous resistance to unsealing documents relating to the Epstein case.
The decision came after substantial pressure from Epstein's victims and Republican lawmakers advocating for transparency.
The House Oversight Committee has already disclosed thousands of documents from Epstein's estate, but this new legislation entails the release of files currently held by the justice department.
These documents may include information about imprisoned co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell as well as notable figures associated with Epstein, potentially implicating government officials.
When did Trump sign the bill?
Trump's announcement of signing the bill occurred on Wednesday evening, following the Senate's confirmation earlier that morning. He noted the bill's passage was nearly unanimous praise among Republicans, although the signing was not open to public view.
When will the Epstein files be released?
While the justice department has 30 days to comply, challenges persist regarding the document's release. The new law allows the department to withhold items impacting ongoing investigations.
Will the files be redacted?
Analysts anticipate considerable redactions in the released documents, given that prior releases had seen names and contact details obscured to protect privacy. The attorney general is empowered to redact records that could infringe on privacy rights.
In summary, while the legislation aims for comprehensive transparency regarding Epstein's case, hurdles regarding ongoing investigations and privacy concerns may affect the breadth of information ultimately disclosed.
