Trump Administration Faces Pressure Over Epstein Files Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Top officials in the Trump administration planned a meeting on Wednesday to discuss efforts to compel a House vote on releasing Justice Department case files related to Jeffrey Epstein, sources familiar with the situation said.

According to the sources, participants in the meeting included Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado. Boebert has been a vocal advocate for the release of the Epstein files and has signed the petition to force a vote.

While CNN has not confirmed if the meeting took place, it highlights ongoing concerns within the administration regarding the Epstein case. This scrutiny intensified on Wednesday when the House Oversight Committee released additional documents from Epstein’s estate.

The Justice Department files are believed to contain years of investigative details related to Epstein’s child sex trafficking ring, including possible information that has not been disclosed to Congress.

The controversy surrounding Epstein and his connections to influential figures has created divisions within the Republican Party. Some members, like Boebert, are seeking more transparency, while others remain cautious about reopening the investigation.

House Democrats have amplified calls for a full release of the Epstein documents following the release of new emails implicating Trump. One email suggested Trump was aware of Epstein’s activities, raising significant questions about his past associations.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing and stated he severed ties with Epstein years ago after the financier was accused of unsavory behavior. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s actions and insisted they are cooperating with the House Oversight Committee.

As the House is expected to vote soon on the release of the Epstein files, the dynamics surrounding the issue could influence the political landscape as election campaigns heat up.

Rep. Adelita Grijalva is set to be sworn in on Wednesday, providing the 218th vote needed for the petition to force a House vote on the Epstein files. This procedural victory would allow legislators to bypass standard leadership protocols and compel action.

Grijalva’s supporters argue that her inclusion reflects demands for accountability and transparency surrounding the Epstein scandal, considering the implications for numerous powerful figures. If the petition passes, it would still need Senate approval and the president’s signature, creating potential friction in the ongoing partisan battle.