Trump's Epstein Files Promise: From Campaign Trail Hype to Congressional Deadline
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President Donald Trump's administration is facing intense pressure to deliver on a long-promised release of Jeffrey Epstein's files. The move has become a test of Trump's second term, opening a rift in his coalition and raising stakes for the Justice Department. The issue came to a head this week when both chambers of Congress passed a measure forcing the release of the Epstein files, which Trump signed into law. The administration now has 30 days to deliver the records, which may fall short of public expectations fueled by years of conspiracy theories promoted by Trump's allies. The release of the files has sparked a fight within Trump's base, with some supporters demanding action while others fear the consequences of revealing sensitive information. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga) said the release of the files will be a test of Trump's commitment to his base, while Attorney General Pam Bondi's reversal of her earlier promise to release the files has outraged many on the right. The Epstein files entered the political mainstream after the financier's abuse and death in 2019. Trump initially expressed openness to releasing the documents, but once in office, he became less enthusiastic. Bondi's reversal of her earlier promise sparked a rift in Trump's coalition, and Democrats seized on the issue, forcing Republicans to take votes on releasing the files. The release of the files is uncertain, with some claims, such as a rumored "client list" of prominent men linked to Epstein, already deemed nonexistent by federal officials. Lawmakers believe there are reams more of documents, but the Justice Department has shown little indication of releasing them despite a subpoena from the House Oversight Committee. The Epstein files have become a symbol of a broader movement, with some Democrats seeing it as a way to reconnect with working-class voters. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif) hopes the fight over the files will evolve into a broader movement against an elite that people feel is out of touch and taking control over their lives. As the deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether the Trump administration will deliver on its promise to release the Epstein files. The stakes are high, and the consequences of failure could be significant for Trump's base and his presidency.
