Jeffrey Epstein is back in the national spotlight as Congress moves toward the most sweeping public release of documents tied to his sex-trafficking case. Months after conflicting statements from officials stirred confusion over the existence of an alleged “client list,” lawmakers have now taken formal action: in mid-November 2025, the U.S. House passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act by an overwhelming 427–1 vote, with the Senate agreeing to advance the bill shortly after.
The renewed push for transparency follows earlier controversy in February, when U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi suggested that Epstein-related materials — including what she implied could be a “client list” — were ready for release under direction from President Donald Trump. Her claims were later contradicted by a July DOJ memo stating that no official client list exists, reaffirming that Epstein died by suicide and that investigators found no evidence of a larger blackmail network. Those contradictions, paired with slow and selective disclosures, fueled public pressure for Congress to step in.
Now, with bipartisan demand for clarity and increasing scrutiny over what may—or may not—appear in the files, all eyes are on when the documents will finally be made public and what they will reveal. Amid the recent headlines, find out more about Epstein, what’s been released so far, and all the latest updates below.
Who Is Jeffrey Epstein?
Epstein is a disgraced and deceased sexual offender and former financier. Throughout his finance career, the New York City native expanded his social circle to include socialites, including Trump. However, in 2005, Florida police started investigating Epstein after he was accused of sexually abusing dozens of underage girls. In a plea deal, Epstein was convicted of procuring a child for prostitution and of soliciting a prostitute. He served about one year behind bars.
Over time, Epstein was involved in a slew of lawsuits, mostly related to sexual assault and abuse. In 2019, Epstein was arrested again on federal charges regarding the sex trafficking of minors in the states of Florida and New York. That year, he died by suicide in his jail cell. His decades-long associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was also convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking and conspiracy for helping Epstein procure underage girls for sexual abuse and prostitution. Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years behind bars.
What Are the Epstein Files?
The files are a series of documents that will unveil Epstein’s 200+ victims, and their names are expected to be redacted for privacy purposes, which Bondi pointed out in her February 26, 2025, Fox News interview. Moreover, the files will reportedly include the flight logs of the pedophile’s private jet.
In 2024, a federal court unsealed records related to Epstein and his famous relationships. The docs included around 200 names, including Trump and former President Bill Clinton. However, the records only exposed some details about the nature of the politicians’ connections to Epstein, and neither Clinton nor Trump has been accused of wrongdoing in the formal investigation, according to Politico.
On February 26, 2025, Bondi appeared on Fox News and claimed her office would begin releasing Epstein-related documents, implying they could include his long-speculated “client list.” Bondi said the release was directed by President Trump and that the files were already “sitting on [her] desk,” ready for public disclosure.
“There are well over—this will make you sick—200 victims… over 250, actually,” Bondi told host Jesse Watters at the time. “We have to make sure their identity is protected… but other than that… you’re going to see some Epstein information being released by my office.”
The following day, Bondi and several conservative influencers were photographed leaving the White House carrying binders labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase I,” according to TIME. However, the initial batch of documents offered few new revelations and mostly included previously known materials such as flight logs and court exhibits.
Then, in July—months after Bondi’s statements—a Justice Department memo, first reported by Axios, directly contradicted many of her claims.
When Will the Epstein List Be Released?
With the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act in the House and the Senate’s agreement to advance it, the timeline for public disclosure is clearer than ever. Once the bill is signed into law, the Department of Justice will be required to release all remaining Epstein-related documents within 30 days. This includes investigative files, internal communications, and the names of any government officials or politically exposed individuals mentioned in the records—with only limited redactions to protect victims.
Earlier in the year, confusion surged after Bondi appeared to suggest that a release was imminent and that materials labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase I” had already been prepared. However, a later DOJ memo clarified that no official “client list” exists and contradicted several of Bondi’s assertions. The new congressional mandate overrides that uncertainty, setting the first definitive federal deadline for the full release of Epstein-related files.
Until the bill is formally signed, no documents beyond previously released materials are expected. Once enacted, the 30-day countdown will begin.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more.
