Trump Breaks Silence as House Unites Across Party Lines to Demand Epstein File Release

WASHINGTON DC — President Trump urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to reconsider her decision to keep the Jeffrey Epstein case files sealed, stating she “should release whatever she thinks is credible.” He also remarked, “she’s handled it very well,” leaving the decision in her hands.

Bondi made her first public appearance since closing the Epstein case during a press conference addressing a significant fentanyl bust by the Drug Enforcement Administration. When asked whether she would comply with the president’s suggestion to release credible Epstein files, she declined to answer directly, stating, “Our memo speaks for itself... I haven’t seen all of his statements today,” and redirected the conversation to the opioid crisis.

Pressed further, Bondi was asked if she might be fired over her handling of the Epstein investigation or if there was any tension with Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino. She dismissed those questions, saying, “I’m gonna be here for as long as the president wants me here,” and refused to discuss personnel issues or pending investigations. Her office continued to emphasize that the event was focused on fentanyl-related fatalities, not Epstein.

On Capitol Hill, lawmakers from both parties have begun rallying around new legislation to force the release of the Epstein files. The Epstein Files Transparency Act, introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna of California, mandates that the Department of Justice, FBI, and U.S. attorney’s offices disclose all unclassified materials related to Epstein within 30 days of the bill’s enactment. The legislation includes stipulations protecting victim privacy and disallows redactions due to potential embarrassment or political sensitivity.

The bill has gained traction with nine Republican co-sponsors, including Reps. Crane, Boebert, Greene, Burchett, Burlison, Van Drew, Mills, and Barrett. With 212 Democrats likely to support the resolution, only six more Republican signatures are needed to reach the 218 required to bring the bill to a vote via a discharge petition—a procedural move that circumvents House Speaker approval.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, while maintaining support for President Trump and Bondi, broke ranks by endorsing full transparency. He stated Bondi should clarify her remarks regarding the alleged Epstein "client list" and said, “We should put everything out there and let the people decide.” Johnson emphasized that clearing up the Epstein controversy is essential for restoring public trust and allowing the Department of Justice to focus on broader national priorities.

A recent memo issued by the DOJ and FBI concluded that no credible evidence was found suggesting Epstein blackmailed public figures. Bondi has cited this memo to justify her refusal to comment further on the matter.

Rep. Massie officially launched the discharge petition process to force a vote on the bill. If the petition collects the required signatures and survives the seven-day waiting period, it will be eligible for a vote, with the House Speaker allotted two additional days to schedule it.

Demands for transparency continue to mount as legislators on both sides of the aisle urge a public release of the files. Massie emphasized the public’s right to access the information, and Johnson reaffirmed the need to resolve the issue quickly to redirect focus to pressing concerns like crime prevention and election security.

At the DEA press event, Bondi remained firm in avoiding any Epstein-related commentary, reinforcing that her memo suffices and reiterating the importance of addressing the fentanyl crisis. Questions about her relationships with colleagues or potential investigations went unanswered.

As bipartisan momentum builds and the discharge petition gains traction, the Department of Justice may soon be compelled to release the Epstein files, closing one chapter and potentially opening another in the ongoing push for transparency and accountability in high-profile federal cases.

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