Bad news for Trump: When is the vote on releasing the Epstein files?

The House is poised for a dramatic vote on Tuesday, with Republican leaders planning to advance legislation compelling the release of federal records related to Jeffrey Epstein. The move comes after months of procedural maneuvering designed to stall the measure, and it now threatens to create a significant political headache for President Donald Trump.

Is the Epstein release vote likely to pass?

A bipartisan group led by Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna used a discharge petition to force the vote, bypassing Speaker Mike Johnson. Their effort succeeded despite repeated attempts by Trump to crush the push, including a series of statements warning Republicans not to defect. But expectations inside the House suggest dozens of GOP members plan to break with him. Massie has even floated the possibility of reaching two-thirds support, a threshold that would symbolically signal the chamber could override a presidential veto.

If the Rules Committee approves a procedural package Monday night, debate and a final vote could unfold Tuesday afternoon, though leaders may delay the decision until the evening. The group of four Republicans who backed the petition, including Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene, are expected to guard against any procedural maneuvers that could weaken or postpone the bill.

• Professor Scott Galloway: Trump’s tariffs “are just baseline stupid”
• Tucker Carlson raises doubts about assassination attempt on Trump

Would the House vote ensure Epstein file release?

Passage in the House would not guarantee the files’ release. The bill still requires approval by the Senate and a signature from Trump, neither of which appears likely. Still, the political pressure could intensify if the House majority is large. Polling shows overwhelming public demand for transparency, and Republicans opposing the measure risk accusations of shielding powerful figures from scrutiny.

Senate dynamics are shifting as well. Louisiana’s John Kennedy signaled openness to full disclosure, noting the issue is unlikely to fade until addressed decisively. His comments hint at possible erosion in the party’s resistance.

What about the Trump pushback

While Trump denies any wrongdoing, his vigorous attempts to block the vote have drawn scrutiny. A newly released 2019 email from Epstein claimed Trump “knew about the girls,” though no evidence has tied him to Epstein’s trafficking operation. Some Republicans have expressed frustration that the administration’s strategy to delay action has only deepened public suspicion.

Tuesday’s vote would not be the end of the fight, but it would mark a pivotal moment. After months of delay, the House will finally have to take a public position on one of Washington’s most sensitive and politically explosive transparency battles.

And the questions about the president will continue until everything has been made clear. This is not only about what his involvement was in potential criminal activity, but if he knew about children being abused, why would he stay quiet, remain good friends with the perpetrators, and not be completely disgusted? Even his MAGA base are struggling with that.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.