In a stunning reversal that has sent shockwaves through Washington, Donald Trump has abruptly changed his stance on the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files — and his new message to Democrats has left even his allies stunned. Speaking to reporters outside Mar-a-Lago on Friday night, the former president vowed to “open everything,” just days after previously calling the case “a distraction.”
“If they want transparency, they’re going to get it,” Trump said, according to NBC News. “But the Democrats aren’t going to like what’s in there. Believe me.”
His explosive remark came less than 24 hours after a New York Times report revealed a series of bombshell emails allegedly connecting senior Democratic donors and Hollywood figures to Epstein’s private island and flight logs. The leaks, which remain unverified, have already reignited fury over what critics call a “two-tiered justice system” protecting the powerful.
Trump’s sudden change in tone marks a dramatic U-turn from his statements earlier this year, when he dismissed renewed interest in Epstein as “old news.” Now, his campaign is actively leaning into it — with aides confirming he has instructed advisers to “review all available material” from the Justice Department archives, including classified documents that were previously sealed.
“Trump says he’ll release all Epstein-related records: ‘The Democrats won’t like what they see.’” @MeidasTouch
“He’s playing offense now,” one senior campaign strategist told Politico. “The Democrats thought they could weaponize Epstein’s name against him — now he’s flipping the script.”
According to the leaked emails cited by the Daily Mail, multiple Democratic insiders appeared to discuss “media containment” following the unsealing of Epstein’s 2019 plea records. While there’s no confirmed evidence of wrongdoing, the timing has fueled conspiracy theories and reignited suspicions that influential figures still have something to hide.
Trump, never one to miss a political opportunity, wasted no time in drawing battle lines. “They wanted to talk about Epstein? Let’s talk about Epstein,” he said during a fiery speech in Georgia. “Let’s talk about who really went to that island. Let’s talk about the names they’re not mentioning.”
His comments have been interpreted by many as a direct challenge to the Biden administration and the FBI, both of which have faced criticism for what some see as selective transparency around the Epstein investigation. “Trump’s positioning himself as the truth-teller again,” said political analyst Van Jones. “He’s daring Democrats to open Pandora’s box — knowing full well it could backfire on them.”
“‘If they want transparency, I’ll give it to them.’ — Trump on the Epstein files, reversing his previous stance.” @Reuters
For months, both parties have clashed over the scope of Epstein-related disclosures. Democrats have accused Trump allies of distorting facts, while Republicans claim the DOJ is “sitting on names” that would devastate the Democratic establishment. The newly leaked emails — allegedly exchanged between 2014 and 2017 — appear to reference “contingency messaging” involving several high-profile figures in entertainment and politics.
While none of the emails have been authenticated, Trump’s decision to spotlight them has drawn immediate media attention — and fury from across the aisle. A spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee called his remarks “reckless, dangerous, and deeply irresponsible,” accusing Trump of “weaponizing a tragedy for political gain.”
But inside conservative circles, Trump’s reversal has been hailed as “a genius counterpunch.” “He’s forcing the Democrats to confront their own hypocrisy,” said right-wing commentator Laura Ingraham. “They screamed for accountability — now they’re going to get it.”
Sources close to the Trump campaign told The Washington Examiner that the former president’s advisers are preparing to demand that the Justice Department declassify the full list of Epstein’s associates, visitors, and clients. “It’s time to put it all out there,” said one aide. “No redactions. No names hidden.”
“Trump now wants Epstein’s files fully released — a total reversal of his earlier position.” @guardian
Behind the scenes, the move is also seen as a calculated attempt to divert attention from Trump’s ongoing legal troubles. With multiple trials looming, including federal charges tied to classified documents, allies say he’s eager to frame himself as the victim of political persecution while painting Democrats as the true protectors of corruption. “It’s classic Trump judo,” said one political consultant. “He turns every accusation into an opportunity.”
Still, the reversal has stunned even some within his inner circle. “Two weeks ago he told us to drop it,” one campaign staffer told Axios. “Now it’s all he wants to talk about.”
Public reaction has been equally divided. Supporters cheered Trump’s boldness, calling it “the transparency America needs.” But critics accused him of exploiting a horrific criminal case for political theater. “Epstein’s victims deserve justice, not a campaign stunt,” tweeted @AOC.
Meanwhile, the phrase “Epstein Files” began trending worldwide, as clips of Trump’s speech racked up millions of views on TikTok and Twitter. “The man’s a showman,” wrote journalist Noah Shachtman. “He’s turning one of the darkest scandals in modern history into a weapon against his opponents.”
“Trump’s Epstein U-turn shocks even his allies. ‘He’s going scorched-earth,’ says one campaign insider.” @axios
For now, it remains unclear whether Trump’s demand for full disclosure will carry any legal weight. The Justice Department has so far declined to comment on whether additional Epstein-related files exist, or whether any could be made public under current federal restrictions. “It’s not as simple as flipping a switch,” one DOJ official told NPR. “These documents involve sensitive, ongoing investigations.”
But if history is any guide, Trump’s threats may have less to do with transparency than political theater. “This is about narrative control,” said media scholar Dr. Melissa Drake. “He’s reframing Epstein not as a moral scandal, but as a partisan weapon. It’s no longer about who’s guilty — it’s about who’s exposed.”
By late Friday night, Trump was back on Truth Social, posting a defiant message to his followers: “They want the Epstein files? I say OPEN THEM ALL. Let’s see who’s been lying.” Within minutes, the post had over 10,000 shares and counting.
And in that single line — part fury, part strategy — Trump may have just reignited one of the most explosive political controversies of the decade.