President Trump said Monday he would sign a bill to release documents from the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein if Congress sends it to his desk.
Why it matters: Trump recently reversed himself and encouraged Republicans to vote to release the documents after repeatedly dismissing the scandal as a "hoax."
What he's saying: "Sure I would. Let the Senate look at it. Let anyone look at it, but don't talk about it too much," Trump said Monday in the Oval Office in response to a question from a reporter.
- Trump went on to call Epstein "a Democrat problem. The Democrats were Epstein's friends, all of them. And it's a hoax. The whole thing is a hoax."
- Trump said he does not want the Epstein situation to detract from "the greatness of what the Republican Party has accomplished."
Yes, but: Trump could order the files released any time he wants without waiting for Congress.
Catch up quick: The Epstein files briefly divided the MAGA faithful over the summer, with vocal contingents in Trump's base demanding the files be released.
- Even some congressional Republicans said they would vote yes to release the documents despite early opposition from Trump.
- Trump last week ordered the Justice Department to investigate any potential ties between Epstein and former President Bill Clinton and other prominent Democratic backers.
