Washington: In a major move aimed at boosting public accountability, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a landmark law that requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release previously sealed documents related to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The legislation—fast-tracked through both chambers of Congress—received overwhelming bipartisan backing, underscoring the rare political unity on the need for full public disclosure. On Tuesday, the House of Representatives approved the bill with a lopsided 427–1 vote, followed just hours later by the Senate’s approval through unanimous consent. By Wednesday morning, the bill had reached the President’s desk for final approval.
President Trump confirmed the signing through a social media update, noting that the new law places a strict 30-day deadline on the DOJ to release all documents connected to Epstein. Under the Act, only limited redactions will be allowed—specifically those that shield the identities of victims or protect information related to active investigations.
Addressing ongoing concerns, Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to openness. Speaking at a press briefing, she said the department would ensure “maximum transparency” while maintaining the “safety and privacy of survivors,” as reported by NewsX. She added that while the law mandates extensive disclosure, officials must remain cautious with sensitive content, especially material involving minors.
The upcoming release is expected to include a vast trove of investigative material: interview transcripts, witness statements, seized property records, travel logs, internal memos, and documents spanning several criminal probes. The files have remained the focus of intense public interest due to Epstein’s connections with global elites and the lingering mysteries surrounding his 2019 death in federal custody.
Calls for transparency intensified in recent weeks after more than 20,000 pages of documents from Epstein’s estate surfaced—some of which referenced Trump and other high-profile figures. While those records did not allege wrongdoing by any such individuals, they reignited demands for a complete unveiling of all government-held Epstein-related files.
