US President Donald Trump has urged lawmakers in his own party to vote to release files relating to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump wrote on Sunday night that Republicans in the House of Representatives should do so because we have nothing to hide.
This marks a striking reversal for Trump, who had previously characterized the push for the release as a Democratic distraction.
While House Democrats have slowly released some documents relating to Epstein, some of which reference Trump himself, the former president has consistently denied any wrongdoing or involvement in Epstein's illegal activities.
Trump's call for action comes as Republicans signal a willingness to vote in favor of legislation that would compel the US government to publish all its documents on Epstein, raising concerns about his associations with powerful figures.
Documents amassed from multiple criminal investigations into Epstein include interview transcripts with victims and witnesses, alongside confiscated items from his properties, all collectively referred to as the Epstein files.
The push for the Epstein Files Transparency Act has found support across party lines, with Republican representatives indicating they may break ranks to back the bill. If successful, the act aims to ensure all unclassified records relating to Epstein are made public.
Trump's change in tone follows a Democratic release of emails that reference him, reigniting scrutiny of his past ties to Epstein and leading to a public argument with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of his staunch supporters.
As the situation unfolds, calls for transparency continue to grow, shedding light on longstanding allegations that have haunted both Epstein and various prominent figures connected to him.
