Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) shifted her stance regarding the release of government documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, hours after initially dismissing the topic as a “distraction” from current legislative efforts in Congress.
Speaking on MSNBC, Pelosi was asked about public focus on the “Epstein files” — a series of documents and testimonies linked to the convicted sex offender and financier whose death in 2019 sparked widespread speculation and calls for transparency.
“This is a distraction,” Pelosi initially told host Chris Jansing. “We have major issues right here with things we’re voting on today in the Congress.”
She expressed concern that the Epstein discussion was drawing attention away from a proposed rescissions package — a key budget debate on Capitol Hill this week.
“Whether it’s Jeffrey Epstein or Alcatraz, it’s all off the subject of what they’re doing with this budget,” she added. “It’s harmful to the kitchen-table needs of the American people.”
Pelosi’s remarks came amid broader public and media scrutiny of why key records related to Epstein’s case remain sealed or redacted, including names of high-profile individuals allegedly connected to his activities.
Pelosi Reverses Course
Roughly an hour after her interview aired, Pelosi posted a sharply different message on X (formerly Twitter), expressing support for the full release of the Epstein files and criticizing former President Donald Trump for allegedly delaying action on the matter.
“For reasons known only to him, Donald Trump is now refusing to appoint a special prosecutor in the Epstein case after weeks of refusing to release the Epstein files,” Pelosi wrote.
“This week, House Democrats voted unanimously to release the files. Republicans voted to keep them hidden,” she continued. “With deep respect for the victims, their trauma and their privacy, everyone on the Epstein list must be held accountable no matter who they are. Release the files.”
A Pelosi spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment regarding the apparent reversal in her messaging.
Trump Responds with New Action
Later the same day, President Trump announced he had directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue the release of grand jury testimony tied to Epstein’s 2019 federal child sex trafficking case in the Southern District of New York.
Trump, who has urged his supporters to focus on current political priorities rather than the files, has faced ongoing calls from both sides of the aisle to increase transparency in the case.
Public Pressure Builds
The renewed spotlight on Epstein’s case follows the partial unsealing of several court documents and continued speculation about the extent of his connections with prominent figures. Protesters in multiple cities have carried signs reading “Release the Epstein Files,” demanding further investigation into the individuals tied to the financier’s social and business network.
Epstein died in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide, but questions around his connections and the circumstances of his death have fueled public interest and suspicion.
Legislative Split
While House Democrats recently voted in favor of releasing more Epstein-related records, House Republicans have voiced concerns over privacy issues and potential legal complications. The vote has intensified partisan disagreement over how best to address transparency without compromising ongoing investigations or victim confidentiality.
Despite the political back-and-forth, bipartisan voices have called for a clearer accounting of the Epstein case.
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