Photo: Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images News / Getty Images
President Donald Trump has abruptly reversed course in his efforts to block the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
On Sunday (November 16), Trump told the House GOP to support the release of federal records on Epstein just ahead of Tuesday's (November 18) disclosure vote, in which many Republicans are preparing to break ranks, per Politico.
“House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide, and it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding, “I DON’T CARE! All I do care about is that Republicans get BACK ON POINT” on economic issues.
As many as 100 House Republicans were already expected to join Democrats on Tuesday in a vote to force the release of the Epstein records.
Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson had attempted to avoid the vote for months. Last week, Trump took aim at Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who is leading the disclosure push, and condemned his former ally, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), for siding with him.
“I’m a big full-disclosure person,” Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), chair of the Rules Committee, said in a statement. “I have nothing to hide, and I assume nobody else does, either.”
The disclosure push came as House Oversight Democrats released several emails in which Epstein claimed that Trump “knew about the girls.” Trump has long maintained his innocence and claimed he had a falling-out with Epstein.
A wide range of Republicans have said they plan to back the bill to release the files.
“If it’s on the floor, I’ll be voting for it,” Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.) said in a statement.
“The train has already left the station, so we should move on,” Rep. Don Bacon said.
Johnson has argued that the bill lacks sufficient protections for Epstein’s victims, though he insists Republicans have supported “maximum transparency” from the start.
The Senate is facing growing pressure to act as the House is expected to pass the effort on Tuesday.
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.