President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law the Epstein Files Transparency Act, mandating the Justice Department to release all unclassified documents related to the federal investigation of the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days.

The bipartisan measure, which cleared the House last week in a 427-1 vote and the Senate unanimously on Tuesday, requires Attorney General Pam Bondi to provide Congress with a comprehensive index of the files, including any classified materials withheld for national security reasons. 

The act stems from mounting pressure on Capitol Hill following the House Oversight Committee's release of over 20,000 pages from Epstein's estate earlier this month, which detailed his communications with political figures, business leaders, and others. Lawmakers from both parties argued that full disclosure is essential for public accountability, particularly given Epstein's high-profile connections and his 2019 death in federal custody, officially ruled a suicide. The bill includes provisions allowing redactions to protect victims' privacy and ongoing investigations, but it compels the DOJ to justify any withholdings in detail. 

Trump, in a statement accompanying the signing, reiterated his earlier call for transparency, saying Republicans have "nothing to hide" and framing the push as a Democratic distraction from policy priorities like the economy and border security. 

The legislation was championed by Democrats on the Oversight Committee, who have long sought greater access to Epstein's federal records, but it gained traction among Republicans following Trump's public endorsement over the weekend. Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised the act as a step toward "closing this dark chapter," while Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged the DOJ to comply fully without unnecessary delays. 

Once released, the files could shed new light on Epstein's sex-trafficking network, his plea deal in Florida, and interactions with influential figures across politics and finance. Legal experts caution that much of the material may already be public through court filings, but unredacted versions could reveal investigative details previously shielded. 

The 30-day clock starts immediately, with the DOJ expected to begin preparations for declassification reviews amid heightened public interest in the case.