Trump calls on House Republicans to vote to release Epstein files

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday House Republicans should vote to release the Jeffrey Epstein case files, despite having previously resisted the idea as pressure mounted from within his own party.

“We have nothing to hide, and it’s time to move on from this Democrat hoax perpetrated by radical left lunatics in order to deflect from the great success of the Republican Party,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

“I don't care,” he added. “All I do care about is that Republicans get back on point."

It's not the first time the US leader has pointed the finger at the Democratic Party. Earlier this week he claimed "Epstein was a Democrat" and was therefore "the Democrat's problem".

Trump's statement comes as a growing number of Republicans have supported the measure. Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, previously a staunch supporter of Trump, repeatedly called for the release of the Epstein files.

Trump responded fiercely on Truth Social, calling Greene “Marjorie Taylor Brown” because “Green grass turns brown when it begins to rot,” and on Friday, the Republican president said he would support a primary challenge against the Georgia congresswoman.

Trump's shift in stance signifies a rare move by the Republican leader backtracking due to opposition within his own party.

Lawmakers who support the bill predicted a significant victory in the House this week with a “deluge of Republicans” voting for it.

If the bill passes, the US Justice Department would be required to release all files and communications related to Epstein, as well as details about the investigation into his death in federal prison. Epstein killed himself in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial. Information about Epstein's victims or ongoing federal investigations would be allowed to be redacted.

Last week, emails were released in which the late financier and sex offender claimed Trump was aware of his exploitation of underage victims. The White House criticised the email release as an attempt by Democrats to push a "fake narrative" to distract from Trump's achievements as president.

Previously released files show that Trump and Epstein appeared to have been friends, but Trump claims they fell out in the early 2000s. While the files would expose those connected to Epstein, including someone's name does not necessarily imply wrongdoing. The White House has repeatedly defended Trump's innocence.