House Votes to Release Epstein Files Amid Trump Controversy

The U.S. House overwhelmingly voted to release Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein, following President Trump's reversal on the issue. The decision passed with near unanimity, highlighting divisions among Republicans. Many survivors of Epstein's abuse attended the vote, seeking transparency. Trump's stance remains contentious, impacting his Republican support.

The U.S. House of Representatives, under Republican control, has voted overwhelmingly to release files from the Justice Department pertaining to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision, passed by a margin of 427 to 1, highlights the tense divisions within the Republican Party, especially following President Donald Trump's reversal of his prior opposition to this action.

Survivors of Epstein's alleged abuse, carrying poignant photographs of their younger selves, gathered outside the U.S. Capitol advocating for transparency. Leaders from both parties joined them, reflecting the broad demand for clarity on Epstein's connections to influential figures and the circumstances of his death, officially ruled a suicide.

Despite acquiescing to the vote, President Trump's discomfort with the situation is evident. He criticized a journalist for raising the issue, underscoring the political and personal strains stemming from Epstein's scandal. While some of his actions in prior decades tied him to Epstein, Trump insists on his distance and denies involvement in Epstein's criminal activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)