After the US Parliament approved the publication of the investigation files in the case of the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Senate forwarded the law to the White House. In order for the documents to actually be disclosed, a signature from US President Donald Trump is now required.
On Monday he promised that he would sign the bill when it lands on his desk. When that happens is unclear. Trump had spoken out against this step for a long time, but then changed course at the weekend – when it became clear what the result in the US Parliament would be -.
Speculation about the involvement of influential circles
The influential US multimillionaire Epstein ran an abuse ring for many years, which victimized dozens of young women and minors. He also abused his victims. After his conviction as a criminal, the case was reopened years later and Epstein was arrested again. Before another verdict could be made, the financier from New York died in his prison cell in 2019 at the age of 66. The autopsy report listed suicide as the cause of death.
Epstein’s sudden death and his diverse contacts in the world of the rich and powerful sparked speculation about the possible involvement of influential circles. Before his arrest, celebrities and billionaires were practically in and out of his house. Trump also spent time with Epstein, as several party videos show. The revelations about the abuse scandal also brought the British Prince Andrew into disrepute, who maintained close contact with Epstein and recently had to give up his noble titles.
These files should be published
The case has enormous political explosive power in the USA. Before his election victory in November 2024, Trump promised to fully disclose the Epstein files. However, because this promise has not been kept since he took office in January, the president has come under increasing pressure – including from within his own party. Most recently, Democrats published email excerpts from Epstein’s estate in which Trump’s name appears. This sparked new speculation about whether and how much the Republican knew about Epstein’s crimes.
If Trump signs the law, the extensive files should be published within 30 days. These are documents from the Justice Department, the public prosecutor’s office and the FBI, which document the investigation against Epstein and also contain information about his detention. Documents relating to his former confidant and accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell are also to be published. Maxwell was convicted in the scandal and is in prison.
Flight logs from Epstein’s private jet including passenger lists – i.e. information about people who traveled with him – should also be released. And documents on companies, nonprofit organizations and government agencies that may have had ties to Epstein.
However, critics doubt that the publication of the investigation files will now completely clear up the Epstein scandal. Because the text of the law grants Trump’s Justice Department special rights. Information may be withheld or blacked out, “such as personal information about victims and materials that would jeopardize an ongoing federal investigation.” Content that endangers national security and is classified as secret does not have to be published.
