House set to vote on release of Epstein documents after Trump U-turn
Guardian10 hrs
House Passes Epstein Files Release Bill 427-1
Above: A protester holds a placard after the House voted 427-1 to approve the Epstein Files Transparency Act and the release of documents and files at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 18, 2025. Image credit: Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Democrats and left-leaning media weaponized the Epstein files against Trump after ignoring them for four years in power, but their scheme backfired spectacularly. Released documents show Epstein hated Trump, and Democrats were texting with Epstein during anti-Trump hearings. Trump's full transparency agenda, having called for this vote, puts Democrats in an uncomfortable position after their own operatives got exposed.
Democratic narrative
Trump's grip on the Republican Party is cracking as his own opposition to releasing Epstein files created a cover-up impression that forced him into a humiliating reversal full of bad-faith arguments. Greene's defiance exposed Trump's weakening control when intimidation tactics failed against determined Republicans. This stunning defeat shows Trump no longer wields absolute mastery over the GOP.
Cynical narrative
While this vote is, of course, good news, the government is still likely to continue hiding certain information. Between Mike Johnson calling for the redaction of intelligence agency-related information and Trump tapping an Epstein-connected attorney to investigate the issue, the cover-up seems to continue.