In a significant move on November 19, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act into law, compelling the U.S. Department of Justice to release approximately 100,000 pages of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This bipartisan legislation mandates the disclosure of unclassified materials, including investigations into Epstein, his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and his 2019 death. The Justice Department has 30 days to comply, with provisions allowing redactions to protect victims' identities, national security, and ongoing investigations. The bill also requires reporting of any withheld materials and redactions within 15 days after the files are released, explicitly forbidding redactions for "embarrassment or political sensitivity." apnews.com
The signing of this bill follows months of political pressure and public demand for transparency regarding Epstein's activities and connections. Senator Chuck Schumer emphasized the bill's aim for full transparency, while concerns persist about potential selective disclosure or withholding under the guise of new investigations. Advocates like Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have called for full disclosure, with some lawmakers suggesting they might publicly read the names of implicated individuals to bypass potential legal repercussions. This legislative action marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing pursuit of accountability and transparency concerning Epstein's network. apnews.com