A growing number of House Republicans have signaled support for legislation forcing the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to disclose files related to the investigation of financier Jeffrey Epstein. The measure gained traction after it secured enough signatures to proceed via a “discharge petition,” a parliamentary mechanism that allows lawmakers to bring a bill to the floor despite opposition from leadership.

President Donald Trump, who previously opposed the release of the files, publicly urged House Republicans to back the legislation. The shift in his position reflects growing bipartisan pressure and indicates that the measure could pass the House.

Supporters of the bill argue that greater transparency is needed regarding Epstein’s sex‑trafficking network, his death in federal custody in 2019, and the government’s handling of the cases against him and his associates. The legislation would require the DOJ to release files, some of which may still be redacted to protect sensitive information.

The initiative has also revealed deeper divisions within the Republican Party. Several lawmakers from Trump’s circle have backed the effort, setting up a potential clash with GOP leadership in both the House and Senate. The Senate’s next moves remain uncertain, as do any outcomes from the documents’ release.

Sources: AP News, CNN, BBC News