Live: US House approves release of Epstein files, passes vote to Senate
BBC News2 days
Trump Signs Bill to Release Epstein Files
Above: U.S. President Donald Trump, joined by members of his administration and foster care advocates, holds up a copy of the "Fostering the Future" executive order at the White House on Nov. 13, 2025. Image credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Democrats and left-leaning media weaponized the Epstein files against Trump after ignoring them for four years in power, but their scheme backfired spectacularly. Released documents show Epstein hated Trump, and Democrats were texting with Epstein during anti-Trump hearings. Trump's full transparency agenda, having called for this vote, puts Democrats in an uncomfortable position after their own operatives got exposed.
Democratic narrative
Trump's grip on the Republican Party is cracking as his own opposition to releasing Epstein files created a cover-up impression that forced him into a humiliating reversal full of bad-faith arguments. Defiance from some GOP members exposed Trump's weakening control when intimidation tactics failed against determined Republicans. This stunning defeat shows Trump no longer wields absolute mastery over the GOP.
Cynical narrative
While this vote is, of course, good news, the government is still likely to continue hiding certain information. Between Mike Johnson calling for the redaction of intelligence agency-related information and Trump tapping an Epstein-connected attorney to investigate the issue, the cover-up seems to continue.
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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0