President Donald Trump is expected to sign the House bill to force the Justice Department to release files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after it cleared the Senate.
After the House voted 427-1 Tuesday to approve the bill, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer requested unanimous consent to immediately pass it once it was delivered to the Senate, which was granted.
For months, Republicans and President Donald Trump have sought to quash the House from voting on the measure to release documents and communications about Epstein’s alleged child sex trafficking ring and ties to high-profile individuals.
Survivors of Epstein sat in the House chamber as lawmakers voted to pass the measure, some tearful. During a press conference earlier in the day, many criticized the president for refusing to release the files without congressional action.
The president has accused Democrats of manufacturing a “hoax” around the files to distract the public from Republican successes.
But under pressure from several Republican lawmakers, including former Trump ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the president reversed his position Sunday and told GOP lawmakers to agree to the bill. He promised Monday to sign the bill if it got to his desk.
Key Points
- House passes Epstein files release bill 427-1
- Trump defends Saudi crown prince when asked about killing of Jamal Khashoggi
- Representatives says US should follow in UK footsteps after stripping Prince Andrew of title
- Clay Higgins becomes only 'no' vote on Epstein files
- Senate will pass Epstein bill after Chuck Schumer pushed for unanimous consent
Democrat Senator says Treasury Department has ' thousands and thousands' of Epstein bank records, calls for their release
05:00 , Rachel DobkinSenate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, said Tuesday the Treasury Department has '”thousands and thousands” of bank records from the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“My follow-the-money investigation into Epstein’s network that began in 2022 will continue regardless of how the Department of Justice proceeds,” Wyden said after the House and Senate approved a bill to force the DOJ to release files related to Epstein.
The senator continued: “There is another massive Epstein file in the possession of the Treasury Department containing thousands and thousands of his bank records, and that file must be released too.
“The information in those bank records, a portion of which my investigators reviewed at the Treasury in 2024, is key to uncovering who financed Epstein’s network, who enabled his trafficking, and who else participated.”
Epstein faced federal sex trafficking charges when he died by suicide in jail in 2019.
Wyden added: “Secretary Bessent has repeatedly refused to produce those records for further investigation. If he won’t change his tune, Congress must change it for him.”
The Independent has reached out to the Treasury Department for comment.
Full story: Trump designates Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally as president heaps praise on crown prince
04:40 , Andrew FeinbergThe United States will elevate Saudi Arabia to “major non-NATO ally” status, granting the oil-rich autocracy preferred access to military and economic privileges and deeper ties with the American military-industrial complex.
President Donald Trump announced the country’s new status at a black tie dinner to honor Saudi Arabia’s prime minister and de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, late Tuesday.
“I'm pleased to announce that we're taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, which is something that is very important to them,” Trump said.
He added that he had kept the move a secret until the dinner as a surprise for the crown prince, who has spent years cultivating deep ties with Trump’s family and business interests dating back to the president’s first term in the White House.
Read on...
Trump designates Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally as he heaps praise on MBS
In pictures: Vigil held for Epstein survivors
04:20 , Rachel DobkinAfter the House passed a bill Tuesday to force the release of government files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a bipartisan congressional vigil was hosted for survivors of Epstein’s abuse.
The Senate later approved the measure, and President Donald Trump previously promised to sign it into law.
Watch: GOP congresswoman says Trump is 'clean' after House votes to release Epstein files
04:00 , Rachel DobkinRepresentative Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, told Fox News Tuesday that President Donald Trump is “clean” after the House voted to force the Justice Department to release files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna: "We know that Mr President is clean. He's the most investigated man in US history. And definitely I'm frankly glad that those emails came out because it proved what we have been saying the whole thing." pic.twitter.com/3cPAtrRM7T
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 18, 2025
Trump, who was friends with Epstein decades ago, was repeatedly mentioned in emails from the disgraced financier’s estate, which Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released last week.
GOP congressman reacts to House rejecting his censure of Stacey Plaskett: 'What happened to accountability?'
03:40 , Rachel DobkinRepresentative Ralph Norman, a South Carolina Republican, has reacted to the House rejecting his censure of Delegate Stacey Plaskett, who reportedly sent texts to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing.
“This is the problem in Washington!! The establishment protects ITSELF, and the American people get pushed ASIDE. What happened to accountability?” Norman wrote on X Tuesday night.
🚨The House failed to pass my censure of Dem. Stacey Plaskett, a sitting member of Congress who took direction from Epstein in the middle of a 2019 Oversight Committee hearing.
— Rep. Ralph Norman (@RepRalphNorman) November 19, 2025
This is the problem in Washington!! The establishment protects ITSELF, and the American people get…
Massie gloats about Trump folding on Epstein: "It means when you're on the side of the people, you can win"
03:20 , Eric GarciaRep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), the Republican who led the charge to pass legislation on the Epstein files bragged about getting President Donald Trump to fold and allow for a vote on files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) filed the discharge petition that forced a vote to release files related to the late convicted sex offender.
"I beat the President, the Vice President, the attorney general, the FBI director and the speaker of the House," Massie told The Independent. "More importantly, it means when you're on the side of the people, you can win."
In addition, once the legislation is sent to the Senate, it will automatically be considered passed after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer filed unanimous consent on the legislation.
At the same time, Trump has called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate the late pedophile's ties to Democrats like former president Bill Clinton and former Treasury secretary Larry Summers.
"You can't open enough investigations to cover up for all of the crimes," Massie said. "So they may cover up small parts the Epstein files, but the majority of it's going to come out, and the disclosure is required within 30 days."
Trump attacked Massie repeatedly, including mocking his marriage this year after his wife Rhonda died last year.
House votes against censuring Stacey Plaskett
03:03 , Rachel DobkinThe House has voted against censuring Delegate Stacey Plaskett, who reportedly sent texts to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing.
A resolution from Republican Congressman Ralph Norman called for Plaskett to be censured and removed from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
But it failed 209-214, largely along party lines, Tuesday night.
Speaking on the House floor, Plaskett said, “You want to talk about texting felons, how often do you text President Donald J. Trump?”
Plaskett: You want to talk about texting felons, how often do you text President Donald J. Trump? pic.twitter.com/MYVtUILwT4
— Acyn (@Acyn) November 18, 2025
Trump was convicted of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. The president has maintained his innocence.
Trump’s approval rating falls to lowest of his term over prices and Epstein files, new poll finds
02:40 , Graig GraziosiPresident Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to its lowest in his second term, largely due to discontent with the economy and the handling of files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, which lasted four days and ended on Monday, saw Trump's approval rating fall to 38 percent.
On Tuesday, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed a measure that would force the U.S. Department of Justice to release all of its files concerning its investigation into Epstein.
The president has, until recently, opposed the move, insisting both that his alleged involvement with Epstein is a hoax and that it is Democrats who are more implicated in the documents. On Sunday, after the House Oversight Committee released another tranche of Epstein documents, which include emails referencing Trump, the president reversed his position and called for House Republicans to release the files.
Watch: GOP congressman says he has 'some concerns' about the Epstein files release
02:20 , Rachel DobkinRepresentative Greg Murphy, a North Carolina Republican, told Newsmax Tuesday that he has “some concerns” about the release of government files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Murphy, along with almost every other House member, voted on a bill Tuesday to force the Justice Department to release the files.
Rep. Greg Murphy: "I do have some concerns because these files are voluminous and just being named does not make you guilty. If Epstein gave you a tip or something if you worked at a door or something, it doesn't make you guilty of a crime." pic.twitter.com/DDkcemFnzM
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 18, 2025
Chuck Schumer gives warning to Trump after Congress approves release of Epstein files
02:00 , Rachel DobkinSenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has given a warning to President Donald Trump after Congress approved the release of government files relating to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“If the President tries to manipulate his way into releasing just some of the Epstein files while deliberately hiding others, the public will see right through it,” Schumer wrote on X Tuesday evening.
Congress just voted overwhelmingly to pass the Epstein bill.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) November 18, 2025
Once this bill lands on the president’s desk, Donald Trump must obey the letter of the law and ensure full transparency regarding the Epstein files.
If the President tries to manipulate his way into releasing just…
Watch: Thomas Massie says he will 'absolutely' read the names of Epstein's alleged clients if DOJ doesn't release files
01:40 , Rachel DobkinRepresentative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who co-sponsored a bill to release Justice Department files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, told CNN Tuesday he will “absolutely” read the names of people in the files if the DOJ doesn't release them.
“We know who some of the men are,” Massie said.
GOP Rep. Thomas Massie says if Trump’s DOJ doesn’t release the Epstein files, he will go to the floor and would “absolutely” read the names of Epstein’s alleged clients.
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) November 18, 2025
Would go that route if “we hit all of the walls.”
He added: “But so far, we’re making it through the walls.” pic.twitter.com/K0V7vdcb6l
Trump official says Epstein bill 'will be signed whenever it gets to the White House'
01:20 , Rachel DobkinA senior Trump administration official told NBC News the bill to force the Justice Department to release files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein “will be signed whenever it gets to the White House.”
A senior administration official tells NBC News: “The bill will be signed whenever it gets to the White House.”
— Garrett Haake (@GarrettHaake) November 18, 2025
Trump announces U.S. formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally
01:06 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump announced Tuesday night that the U.S. formally designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally.
“I'm pleased to announce that we're taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, which is something that is very important to them,” Trump said at a White House dinner with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
A major non-NATO ally status “provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation,” according to the State Department’s website.
Trump says it's 'privilege' to welcome Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
00:53 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump said at a White House dinner Tuesday night that it was a “special privilege” to welcome Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington, D.C., “as we mark the 80th anniversary of the first meeting between a U.S. president and a Saudi King.”
“Eight decades ago, in 1945, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt met with the Crown Prince's own grandfather, the founder of the Saudi Arabian incredible country, and that was King Abdul Aziz,” Trump said.
Who is at the White House dinner?
00:30 , Rachel DobkinThe White House has invited 120 people to dinner Tuesday night, including 30 from the Saudi delegation, Reuters reported.
Aside from President Donlad Trump, first lady Melania Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, tech billionaire Elon Musk, a onetime adviser to the president, is expected to attend.
Trump moments away from dinner with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
00:21 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump is hosting a dinner at the White House for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Tuesday night.
Earlier Tuesday, Trump and Prince Mohammed took questions from reporters in the Oval Office. When ABC News’ Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce asked about the 2018 death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which U.S. intelligence said was likely ordered by Prince Mohammed, Trump berated her.
Read more about the incident from Katie Hawkinson:
Makeup seen on Trump's hand...again
00:12 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump was once again seen with makeup on his hand ahead of a White House dinner with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Tuesday night.
The White House has said Trump’s hand gets bruised from frequent handshaking. He has been known to cover it up with makeup.
In pictures: Trump and Melania ahead of White House Dinner with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
00:06 , Rachel Dobkin
House Oversight Committee subpoenas Epstein's financial records
Tuesday 18 November 2025 23:40 , Rachel DobkinThe House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed J.P.Morgan Chase and Deutsche Bank for financial records from the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
🚨🚨🚨
— Rep. James Comer (@RepJamesComer) November 18, 2025
I’ve just issued SUBPOENAS to J.P. Morgan and Deutsche Bank for Jeffrey Epstein’s financial records.
I’m also requesting U.S. Virgin Islands AG Gordon Rhea to provide documents to further @GOPoversight’s review of the federal government’s investigation of Epstein. pic.twitter.com/7oEkMbp46V
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, wrote in a letter to JPMorgan Chase’s general counsel that the committee is “reviewing the possible mismanagement of the federal government’s investigation of Mr. Jeffrey Epstein and Ms. Ghislaine Maxwell...”
Senate acts with lightning speed to pass Epstein files release after Trump gives green light
Tuesday 18 November 2025 23:20 , Eric GarciaThe U.S. Senate moved rapidly to pass the legislation to compel the Justice Department to release files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — just a couple of hours after the House of Representatives almost unanimously passed the legislation.
The Senate did not add amendments, despite overtures from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had initially opposed the initial vote in the House until President Donald Trump made a last-minute about-face to say he would sign the legislation.
“When a bill passes the House for 27 to one and the president said he'll sign it in law, I'm not sure that the there's going to be a need for an amendment or desire for an amendment process,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune told The Independent after the House held its vote.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) requested unanimous consent for the legislation to deem it passed as soon as it came to the Senate floor, sending it to Trump’s desk.
Read on...
Senate passes Epstein files release at lightning speed after Trump gives green light
Thomas Massie responds to Mike Johnson's calls to amend Epstein bill: 'A fool's errand'
Tuesday 18 November 2025 23:00 , Rachel DobkinRepresentative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who co-sponsored a bill to release government files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has responded to House Speaker Mike Johnson's calls to amend the legislation.
Despite Johnson voting for the bill, he insisted that the Senate amend it. The speaker has argued that the bill doesn’t do enough to protect Epstein survivors.
"Amending this is a fool's errand. I know why the Speaker's doing that. He's trying to save face,” Massie said Tuesday, per NBC News’ Sahil Kapur. “He just voted for a bill that he's spread lies about for five months in order to try to kill it. And then he had to vote for it because the president told him to. And so he has to pursue some kind of amendment in order to save face."
The Senate ended up not amending the bill. Instead, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s request for unanimous consent to immediately pass the legislation once it was delivered to the Senate was granted.
Trump says he doesn’t care when the Senate passes the Epstein bill after the upper chamber quickly approves the measure
Tuesday 18 November 2025 22:50 , Rachel DobkinAfter the House voted 427-1 Tuesday to approve a bill to force the release of government files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer requested unanimous consent to immediately pass it once it was delivered to the Senate, which was granted.
In response, President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: “I don’t care when the Senate passes the House Bill, whether tonight, or at some other time in the near future, I just don’t want Republicans to take their eyes off all of the Victories that we’ve had…”
Trump has promised to sign the bill if it gets to his desk.
House Democrats defend Stacey Plaskett for Epstein texts
Tuesday 18 November 2025 22:40 , Rachel DobkinHouse Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin defended Delegate Stacey Plaskett, who reportedly sent texts to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing.
A resolution from Republican Congressman Ralph Norman called for Plaskett to be censured and removed from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
“There's nothing that House Republicans can do to disgrace Stacey Plaskett because House Republicans continue to disgrace themselves,” Jeffries of New York said on the House floor Tuesday.
Jeffries: There's nothing that house Republicans can do to disgrace Stacey Plaskett because house Republicans continue to disgrace themselves pic.twitter.com/tGh5flZjQ7
— Acyn (@Acyn) November 18, 2025
Raskin of Maryland said Plaskett was simply “taking a phone call from her constituent,” adding, “I don’t think there’s any rule here against taking phone calls in a hearing.”
Jamie Raskin — one of the worst to ever disgrace the halls of Congress — says @StaceyPlaskett was just "taking a phone call from her constituent" when she colluded with a convicted sex offender during a committee hearing.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 18, 2025
These people are SICK! https://t.co/t2mgClf8FK pic.twitter.com/JmnwR1OeaQ
Plaskett represents the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Epstein owned a private island known as Little St. Thomas.
Read more about the Plaskett-Epstein texts:
Epstein texted Democrat hints for questions during hearing into Trump’s former fixer
Senate will pass Epstein bill after Chuck Schumer pushed for unanimous consent
Tuesday 18 November 2025 22:31 , Rachel DobkinThe Senate will pass the House bill to force the government to release files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pushed for unanimous consent.
Once the bill comes to the Senate, it will pass automatically and then be brought to President Donald Trump’s desk. Trump has promised to sign the bill.
Chuck Schumer says he will ask for unanimous consent for Senate to pass bill to release Epstein files
Tuesday 18 November 2025 22:20 , Rachel DobkinSenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday that he will ask for unanimous consent for the upper chamber to pass the House bill to release government files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“As soon as the House sends us the Epstein bill, the Senate should move without delay to pass it unamended and send it on to the president’s desk to be signed into law,” the New York Democrat said on the Senate floor. “We should pass this bill as soon as possible, as written, and without a hint of delay.”
Watch: Epstein survivor says accountability has escaped multiple presidencies
Tuesday 18 November 2025 22:05 , Ariana BaioHouse votes near unanimously to release the Epstein file
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:45 , Eric GarciaThe House of Representatives on Tuesday passed legislation compelling the Department of Justice to make public all of its files on the pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. But when, or if, the files will ultimately be released remains unclear.
Read more from Eric Garcia:
House votes to release the Epstein files after Trump’s major about-face
Republican senators voice support for releasing Epstein files
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:33 , Ariana BaioSenators Rand Paul, Chuck Grassley, Bill Hagerty and Markwayne Mullin are among the Republicans who have said they would support the release of the Epstein files in the Senate immediately.
Grassley, the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, said he had been calling for the release of the Epstein files since 2019 and urged the Senate to pass the bill “ASAP.”
Paul said he was co-sponsoring legislation introduced by Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley.
Haggerty said on X that he would support the release of the files just as President Donald Trump does.
Mullin urged lawmakers to release the Epstein files while simultaneously criticizing Rep. Stacey Paskett for texting Epstein.
Greene says she will read the names mentioned in Epstein files on House floor
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:20 , Ariana BaioRep. Marjorie Taylor Greene applauded her colleagues for passing the bill to release the Epstein files nearly unanimously and said she would read the names of the individuals named in the files if they are fully released by the Senate and president.
“Americans are done being lied to. These survivors deserve full transparency. Every document, every truth, every name,” Greene wrote on X.
“And if those names reach me, I will read them on the House floor.”
Today’s vote to finally force the release of the Epstein files is a major victory for the survivors who’ve waited decades for the truth.
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) November 18, 2025
I stood with them this morning, the survivors who told the FBI, told law enforcement, begged for help, and were ignored.
This vote should’ve… pic.twitter.com/kcTo5EH0dv
Epstein survivor Annie Farmer applauds House for passing vote
Tuesday 18 November 2025 21:00 , Ariana BaioAnnie Farmer, a woman who survived abuse at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein when she was a teenager, applauded the House of Representatives for passing the bill that could compel the Justice Department to release the remainder of the Epstein files.
“My sister, Maria Farmer, first reported Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell to federal authorities nearly three decades ago. Since then, survivors – myself included – have been left in the dark about how our reports were investigated, who was involved in our abuse and trafficking, and why Epstein and Maxwell were able to get away with inflicting pain on so many women and girls for years,” Farmer said in a statement.
Farmer thanked Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, who introduced the bill.
“But today’s actions are only part of the solution — Maria’s lawsuit, which aims to hold the federal government accountable for their mismanagement of her reported abuse, is still ongoing. We hope her suit finally brings much deserved transparency and accountability for all those implicated,” Farmer added.
Senate could vote on Epstein files release as early as today
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:35 , Ariana BaioThe Senate could vote to release the Epstein files as early as today, Senate Minority Leader John Thune told reporters.
Thune said they are prepared to “hotline” the bill, which was passed by the House Tuesday afternoon.
Doing so would bypass the traditional formal floor vote and debate process and instead seek unanimous consent for the bill’s passage.
Thune believes Senate bill will move ‘fairly quickly’
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:30 , Ariana BaioSenate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters Tuesday he believes the Epstein files bill would move “fairly quickly” after the House overwhelmingly passed it.
“Well, my assumption is that the President sounds like he's prepared to sign it. So I assume it'll move fairly quickly over here,” Thune said, according to reports.
Thune told reporters he does not believe any amendments are likely – a stance that appears to contradict Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
“I think when a bill comes out of the house, 427 to one, and the President said he’d sign it, I'm not sure that amending it is in the cards,” Thune said.
Epstein survivor says she regrets voting for Trump
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:15 , Eric Garcia, Ariana BaioHaley Robson, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, told The Independent after the House passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act that she regrets voting for President Donald Trump.
“I voted for him. I regret that I have offered him several opportunities to not, if not, talk to survivors, meet with our attorneys, talk to them, but like I said, just very skeptical of moving forward and what the agenda is,” Robson said.
“He said that he would sign it, so let's see what Daddy does.”
Robson urged Senators not to add any amendments to the bill that could delay the release of the files.
“Because amendments will delay, and when you delay, you forget about the survivors, and we're in this amazing moment right now in history,” Robson said.
Rep Higgins says he voted ‘no’ because it’s too ‘broad’
Tuesday 18 November 2025 20:00 , Ariana BaioI have been a principled “NO” on this bill from the beginning. What was wrong with the bill three months ago is still wrong today. It abandons 250 years of criminal justice procedure in America. As written, this bill reveals and injures thousands of innocent people – witnesses,…
— Rep. Clay Higgins (@RepClayHiggins) November 18, 2025
Final vote 427-1
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:46 , Ariana BaioThe final vote to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act was 427-1, with a single Republican voting against it.
Previously, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson anticipated the vote in favor of passage to be ‘unanimous.’
Five representatives did not vote.
Republican Rep Clay Higgins votes 'no'
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:41 , Ariana BaioSo far, the only lawmaker to vote ‘no’ on the release of the Epstein files is Republican Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana.
House votes to pass Epstein files bill
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:33 , Ariana BaioMembers of the House of Representatives voted in favor of passing a bill to compel the Justice Department to release the Epstein files.
The bill will now head to the Senate
Mike Johnson votes ‘yes’
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:24 , Ariana BaioDespite spending months opposing Congress’s vote to release the Epstein files, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has voted in favor of compelling the Justice Department to release the Epstein files.
Johnson changed his position on the files after President Donald Trump said the House should vote in favor of it. However, he has voiced reservations about the bill, believing it does not go far enough to protect victims or potential innocent individuals.
Watch: US House votes to force the release of more Epstein files
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:18 , Ariana BaioHouse begins voting on Epstein discharge petition
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:17 , Ariana BaioThe House of Representatives has begun voting on a discharge petition that could compel the Justice Department to release the remainder of the Epstein files.
The vote is expected to pass.
Johnson says push for Epstein files is ‘deceitful and dishonest’
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:10 , Ariana BaioSpeaker of the House Mike Johnson invoked familiar remarks to redirect blame for the lack of the Epstein files to Democrats and the Biden administration, claiming the current push for release was “deceitful and dishonest.”
In remarks during the floor debate for the Epstein files vote, Johnson said Democrats were “making a show” of the vote and trying to use it to hurt President Donald Trump.
“The Democrats had all the Epstein files in their possession for four long years,” Johnson said.
He claimed the bill to compel the Justice Department to release documents contained sensitive information and could hurt victims further – though it does contain language allowing the attorney general to redact such information.
Johnson insinuated the Senate would amend the bill, which would then be sent back to the House for approval before landing on Trump’s desk.
Democratic Rep accuses Trump administration of a ‘coverup’
Tuesday 18 November 2025 19:00 , Ariana BaioDemocratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari of Arizona accused President Donald Trump and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson of engaging in a “cover-up” of information about Epstein for refusing to release the remaining files in the investigation.
“This is an ongoing cover-up by the Trump white House and Mike Johnson and the House have been complicit,” Ansari said during the House floor debate Tuesday.
“What is Trump hiding? Why not release the files today?”
Rep. Chip Roy says Democrats' vote is ‘driven by hatred’ of Trump
Tuesday 18 November 2025 18:56 , Ariana BaioRepublican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas accused Democrats of using the vote to release the Epstein files as a way to hurt President Donald Trump while debating the upcoming bill on the House floor.
Taking issue with lawmakers who accuse those voting against the bill of supporting pedophilia, Roy said many Republicans had “genuine concerns” about the bill, but those feelings were reduced due to the statements.
“That’s what we reduced Congress to… political motivations driven by hatred of President Trump,” Roy said.
Trump rips reporter who asks Saudi prince about 9/11 role and Khashoggi murder
Tuesday 18 November 2025 18:45 , Andrew FeinbergPresident Donald Trump on Tuesday lost his temper and began shouting at an ABC News reporter for asking him and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about his country’s role in the September 11, 2001, terror attacks and the 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents acting on the crown prince’s orders.
Andrew Feinberg reports:
Trump rips reporter who asks MBS about 9/11 and Khashoggi murder
What does the bill calling for release of Epstein files say?
Tuesday 18 November 2025 18:30 , Ariana BaioThe bill, introduced by Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, calls on the Department of Justice to release documents related to the investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days after its enactment.
Those documents include anything related to travel records, immunity deals, names of entities that had knowledge of Epstein’s financial networks, names of individuals referenced in connection to Epstein’s criminal activities, documents of Epstein’s detention, as well as documents of Epstein’s death.
Notably, the bill asks the DoJ to release all communications, metadata, logs, directives or memoranda related to the destruction of any documents or recordings.
The bill does allow for the attorney general to withhold information that identifies victims or their medical records, depicts child sex abuse, depicts injury or death of a person, contains information that could jeopardize another investigation or could harm national security.
House begins debate on Epstein bill
Tuesday 18 November 2025 18:27 , Ariana BaioThe House of Representatives is beginning its one-hour-long debate on the bill that would require the Justice Department to release the remainder of the Epstein files.
Trump defends MBS when asked about killing of Jamal Khashoggi
Tuesday 18 November 2025 18:00 , Ariana BaioTrump became defensive with an ABC News reporter who asked the Saudi crown prince and prime minister about the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
After claiming ABC News was “fake news” and dishonest, Trump claimed MbS “knew nothing about it.”
“You don't have to embarrass our guest by asking something like that,” Trump said.
A United Nations investigation claimed that the Saudi government had orchestrated Khashoggi’s killing. A CIA report indicated the murder was “approved” by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
MbS has denied the allegations.
"About the journalist, it's really painful to hear you know, anyone that been losing his life for, you know, no real purpose or not in a legal way,” MbS said.
“And it's been painful for us in Saudi Arabia. We've did all the right steps of investigation, etc, in Saudi Arabia, and we've improved our system to be sure that nothing happened like that, and it's painful and it's a huge mistake, and we are doing our best that this doesn't happen again,” MbS added.
In Oval Office, Trump takes questions from reporters with Saudi crown prince
Tuesday 18 November 2025 17:50 , Ariana BaioPresident Donald Trump took questions from reporters with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, also known as MBS.
The president began the press conference by praising MBS for investing in the United States and making progress in human rights.
Chuck Schumer says he will fight to have Senate take up Epstein bill
Tuesday 18 November 2025 17:37 , Ariana Baio, Eric GarciaSenate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he will move for the Senate to take up the Epstein files bill “immediately.”
“I'm going to move that the Senate take it up immediately,” Schumer told The Independent’s Eric Garcia. “The American people have waited long enough – they want to see what's in it.”
Rep Khanna calls on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to testify about Epstein
Tuesday 18 November 2025 17:25 , Ariana BaioDuring Tuesday morning’s press conference, Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna suggested that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, should testify to Congress about Jeffrey Epstein.
Watch: Epstein survivor slams Megyn Kelly over ‘barely legal’ Epstein comments
Tuesday 18 November 2025 17:00 , Ariana BaioWhat is Trump doing today?
Tuesday 18 November 2025 16:30 , Ariana BaioPresident Donald Trump is meeting with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud at the White House.
After participating in a bilateral meeting, the president will host a lunch for Mohammed, known as MBS.
Later, the president and First Lady will host a dinner for the Saudi crown prince.
Senate could make changes to discharge petition, delaying approval from Trump
Tuesday 18 November 2025 16:16 , Ariana BaioEven if the House passes the Epstein files discharge petition vote, the Senate will still need to give it a stamp of approval – and Speaker Johnson indicated they could make changes to the bill.
Johnson aired concerns about the petition, claiming it does not do enough to protect whistleblowers, victims, potential innocent people and federal investigations.
He insinuated the Senate could make changes to the bill to add those protections during a press conference Tuesday. But doing so would require the bill to go back to the House before heading to President Donald Trump’s desk.
Johnson says he will vote for Epstein files but it is ‘dangerously flawed’
Tuesday 18 November 2025 16:00 , Ariana BaioSpeaker of the House Mike Johnson confirmed he would vote to compel the Department of Justice to release the remainder of the Epstein files, but caveated that the discharge petition was “dangerously flawed” and not properly redacted.
During a press conference Tuesday morning, Johnson asserted that Democrats were “deceitfully” using the vote on the Epstein files as a political maneuver and claimed forcing its release could harm innocent people.
“Requiring this come out could ruin the reputations of completely innocent people, such as those who may have known Epstein but knew nothing of his crimes,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the release could create “guilt by association.”
The discharge petition explicitly says Attorney General Pam Bondi may withhold or redact information that identifies victims, reveals medical information about a victim, depicts child sexual material, depicts physical abuse, death or injury, contains national security information, or could jeopardize any active investigations.
Representatives says US should follow in UK footsteps after stripping Prince Andrew of title
Tuesday 18 November 2025 15:30 , Ariana BaioDemocratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie said the U.S. should follow in the U.K.’s footsteps by holding those accountable who are accused of crimes associated with Jeffrey Epstein.
Standing alongside survivors of Epstein, Massie said those in the U.S. should face “the same kind of consequences” as those abroad.
Massie was referencing the British Royal Family stripping Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his former title, “Prince Andrew.”
“The urgency the British people have shown in getting justice needs to inspire an urgency here in America,” Khanna said Tuesday morning.
In photos: Epstein survivors stand united on Capitol Hill ahead of vote
Tuesday 18 November 2025 15:20 , Ariana Baio
'This has been one of the most destructive things to MAGA': Greene
Tuesday 18 November 2025 15:15 , Ariana BaioMarjorie Taylor Greene, a longtime Trump ally, said the fighting over the release of the Epstein files has been “one of the most destructive things” to the president’s MAGA movement.
“Watching this actually turn into a fight has ripped MAGA apart,” Greene said.
“The only thing that will speak to the powerful, courageous women behind me is when action is actually taken to release the files. The American people will not tolerate any other bull****.”
Brother of Virginia Giuffre urges Congress to ‘vote yes’ on Epstein files
Tuesday 18 November 2025 14:57 , Ariana BaioSky Roberts, the brother of Virginia Giuffre, tearfully recounted his sister’s legacy obtaining sex abuse survivors on Capitol Hill Tuesday morning, ahead of the House’s Epstein vote.
“My sister is not a political tool for you to use,” Roberts said. “These survivors are not political tools for you to use. These are real stories, real trauma. And it's time for you to stop just talking about it and act. Vote yes.”
Greene: ‘The real test will be, will the DoJ release the files?’
Tuesday 18 November 2025 14:49 , Ariana BaioStanding on Capitol Hill with Epstein survivors, Greene questioned the Department of Justice directly about releasing the Epstein files, putting more pressure on Trump’s administration.
“While I want to see every name released so these women don’t have to live in fear and intimidation… The real test will be, will the Department of Justice release the files? Or will it all remain tied up in investigations?” Greene asked.
“Will the CIA release the files? Will a judge in New York release the information? That’s information that needs to come out.”
Epstein survivor who voted for Trump calls president’s behavior ‘national embarrassment’
Tuesday 18 November 2025 14:36 , Ariana BaioIn an emotionally-charged speech, Jena-Lisa Jones, a woman who survived Epstein’s abuse at 14 years old, said she voted for President Donald Trump but was disappointed by his handling of the release of the Epstein files.
"I beg you, President Trump, please stop making this political. It is not about you,” Jones said.
“Show some class, show some real leadership, show that you actually care about the people other than yourself. I voted for you, but your behavior on this issue has been a national embarrassment,” she added.
Jones was one of several Epstein survivors to appear alongside lawmakers on Capitol Hill Tuesday morning, hours before the House is expected to vote to compel the Justice Department to release the remainder of the Epstein files.
Majorie Taylor Greene stands up to Trump after he called her a ‘traitor’
Tuesday 18 November 2025 14:19 , Ariana BaioMarjorie Taylor Greene stood alongside survivors of Jeffrey Epstein Tuesday morning and frowned upon President Donald Trump for calling her a “traitor” over the weekend due to her stance on the Epstein files.
“I was called a traitor by a man that I fought for five, no, actually, six years for, and I gave him my loyalty for free,” Greene said.
“I won my first election without his endorsement, beating eight men in a primary. And I've never owed him anything, but I fought for him, for the policies and for America first, and he called me a traitor for standing with these women and refusing to take my name off the discharge petition,” Greene added.
“Let me tell you what a traitor is. A traitor is an American that serves foreign countries and themselves. A patriot is an American that serves the United States of America and Americans like the women standing behind me.”
Ro Khanna, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie hold presser ahead of Epstein vote
Tuesday 18 November 2025 14:10 , Ariana BaioDemocratic Rep. Ro Khanna joined Republicans Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Thomas Massie in holding a joint press conference this morning on Capitol Hill alongside survivors of Epstein.
Khanna thanked Massie and Greene for remaining vigilant in fighting for the release of the files.
Did Trump really say ‘Quiet, Piggy’ to a female reporter asking about the Epstein files?
Tuesday 18 November 2025 13:45 , Owen ScottDonald Trump told a female reporter to be “Quiet, Piggy” while she asked him a question about the Epstein files onboard Air Force One.
The commander-in-chief leaned forward to deliver the sinister remark, which he made in a cartoonish voice while wagging his finger.
The incident has gone viral, with users divided on what he actually said. It unfolded on Friday while Trump was jetting back to Washington, D.C.
Although the reporter’s identity remains unknown, The Daily Telegraph has reported that she worked for the media giant Bloomberg.
“If there’s nothing incriminating in the files, sir, why not…” the reporter began before Trump snapped.
“Quiet! Quiet, piggy,” he said in a sing-song voice, while jabbing his finger towards the reporter.
Trump gets ‘thank you’ from racist Nick Fuentes after he defends Tucker Carlson interview with Mar-a-Lago guest
Tuesday 18 November 2025 13:10 , Joe SommerladFuentes, an avowed white nationalist, has expressed his sincere gratitude to Trump after the president defended Carlson’s decision to host the notoriously antisemitic activist for an interview on his eponymous podcast.
Fuentes took to X after Trump spoke out in support of Carlson during a question-and-answer session with reporters over the weekend, sharing a video of the interaction and writing: “Thank you Mr. President!”
Andrew Feinberg has more.
Trump gets ‘thank you’ from racist Nick Fuentes after he defends Carlson interview
Premium: Trump is playing a dangerous game with the Epstein files
Tuesday 18 November 2025 12:50 , Joe SommerladThe president’s latest change of heart about the release of the files suggests that he is either confident he can finally shake off this story or that he has run out of options, says Mary Dejevsky.
