Almost Unanimous in the House… Senate Promises Swift Action, Set to Reach Trump’s Desk on the 19th
A bill mandating the full release of investigative records on sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The Senate has pledged swift passage, indicating that the bill will soon be on President Donald Trump’s desk. This series of events surrounding the Epstein documents is seen as cracking Trump’s stronghold on his supporters and the Republican Party.
According to sources like The New York Times (NYT) and The Washington Post (WP), on the 18th (local time), a bill requiring the disclosure of all Epstein-related records held by the U.S. Department of Justice within 30 days passed the House with nearly unanimous consent. The House overwhelmingly approved the bill with a vote of 427 in favor and one against, prompting the Senate to unanimously agree to consider the bill passed as soon as it arrives, ensuring swift processing.
John Thune, the Senate’s Republican Whip, told CNN that the bill would be officially passed from the House on the 19th morning, and it is expected to reach Trump’s desk for signing on the same day. A senior White House official confirmed that President Trump intends to sign the bill once it reaches the White House.
The Republican endorsement in the House for the bill, which they had previously blocked for months, appears to have been driven by intense public backlash, including from Trump’s base. Mike Johnson, the Republican House Majority Leader, mentioned that despite his opposition, they had no choice but to support the bill due to potential political backlash. “No one among us wants to be accused of not pursuing maximum transparency,” he explained. The only opposing vote came from Republican Representative Clay Higgins.
President Trump, who had fervently opposed the release of the Epstein files, changed his stance once it became apparent that Republican support was shifting. On the 16th, despite labeling the file release request as a “Democratic hoax,” Trump stated on social media that he had “nothing to hide” and that “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files.” This followed Trump’s severe criticism of long-time ally Marjorie Taylor Greene, who called for the release, branding her a “traitor” and “disgrace to the GOP.”
Given that Trump could have directed the Department of Justice to release the Epstein documents without a congressional vote, advocating for a favorable vote is seen as a façade.
The New York Times analyzed that Trump urged the GOP to vote in favor after attempts to pressure Republican representatives to block the vote failed, as he didn’t want to appear defeated. CNN also reported, citing knowledgeable sources, that Trump changed his stance to avoid embarrassment following the House vote.
Following the House vote, Trump acted nonchalant on social media about the Senate’s timing but couldn’t conceal his discomfort when questioned by reporters, resorting to insults.
While meeting with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, Trump rebuked a reporter who asked why he hadn’t ordered the Epstein file’s release, calling them “terrible” and “awful.” Previously, he had insulted another reporter questioning the file’s release with, “Quiet, piggy.”
The vote is being viewed as the first instance of Trump losing control over the Republican Party and MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporters since his second-term inauguration. His base has long demanded the release of the files, spurred by conspiracy theories suggesting involvement by affluent and powerful figures in Epstein’s scandal. Although Trump had promised to release the files during his campaign, he did not follow through after taking office. In July, the DOJ stated that there was no “client list,” central to the conspiracy theories, in the Epstein documents and refused additional releases.
As Trump’s base grew more agitated and recent House-disclosed Epstein emails suggested Trump’s possible knowledge of the crimes or interaction with victims, pressure increased. The situation is intensifying with the U.S. midterm elections looming in November.
Although Trump has claimed he wasn’t aware of Epstein’s sexual offenses, stating that they fell out in the mid-2000s, CNN analyzed that “the ‘invincible aura’ of Trump’s MAGA movement has been breached.” The report highlights that Trump had always dictated his supporters’ focuses but is now stepping back. Trump’s recent statements on other matters, like Argentine financial aid and foreign student policies, have also displeased MAGA loyalists.
With dissatisfaction among Trump’s supporters already manifest and after the GOP’s defeat in this month’s local elections, analysts suggest that the party can’t afford blind loyalty to Trump ahead of the midterms. CNN noted that the election loss has raised fears of an early lame-duck period for Trump, prompting some Republicans to consider moving past him.
A new poll indicates Trump’s second-term approval rating is at its lowest. A Reuters-Ipsos poll conducted on 1,017 American adults from the 14th to 17th, released on the 18th, shows a 38% approval rating, a 2% drop from the previous week (40%).
Dissatisfaction was pronounced over inflation and the Epstein issue. Only 26% felt Trump was managing living expenses well, and just 20% agreed with his handling of the Epstein situation. A striking 70% believed the government was hiding client-related information in the Epstein case, with 60% of Republicans sharing this suspicion.