Democrats on Wednesday took steps to compel Donald Trump to release documents related to the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, using a little-known legal provision to maintain pressure on an issue that continues to trouble the president’s administration.

The White House has faced mounting calls for transparency surrounding Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. The controversy was reignited this week when Trump, addressing questions about his past ties to Epstein, claimed their relationship soured after Epstein allegedly "stole" staff from the spa at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.

Renewed attention on Trump’s past connections to Epstein has emerged following the Justice Department’s recent decision not to release additional documents from its most recent Epstein probe, despite earlier commitments from both Trump and US Attorney General Pam Bondi to be transparent.

The decision sparked bipartisan criticism, including from Trump allies and conservative commentators, who accused the administration of orchestrating a cover-up.

'Rule of five' invoked

In a bid to ensure accountability, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and fellow Democrats on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee invoked a rarely used provision known as the "rule of five." The century-old law allows any five members of the Senate’s main oversight panel to formally request information from federal agencies.

Though it’s unclear whether the rule is legally enforceable in court, the move ensures continued public scrutiny on an issue that has disrupted Trump’s summer, deepened rifts within the Republican Party, and even contributed to the early adjournment of the House of Representatives.

Despite Donald Trump urging his supporters to abandon calls for the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s files, Democrats in Congress, with limited backing from Republicans, have continued pushing for a floor vote to compel their disclosure.

Subpoena pending

Last week, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, joined by some Republicans, approved a subpoena demanding that the Justice Department turn over the documents. However, the subpoena has not yet been formally issued.

Lawmakers are also pursuing testimony from Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in his crimes. Maxwell’s attorney has indicated she is willing to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, but only if granted immunity.

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A spokesperson for the committee confirmed it would respond to Maxwell’s legal team "soon" but firmly stated that it will "not consider granting congressional immunity for her testimony."

Meanwhile, Democrats have repeatedly tried to attach votes on the Epstein files to unrelated legislation, a move that prompted Speaker Mike Johnson to adjourn the House early for summer recess last week, aiming to block any chance of the measure advancing.

"Donald Trump promised he would release the Epstein files while he was on the campaign trail," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech Tuesday. "He made that promise, and he has yet to do it."

Rising public suspicion 

These developments come at a moment of rising public suspicion: a new YouGov poll released earlier this month shows that 40% of Americans believe Donald Trump was connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged crimes, while a majority remain skeptical that true accountability will ever be achieved.

The nationwide survey, conducted among 7,237 adults, found that 27% of respondents do not believe Trump was involved, while 33% said they were unsure.

The results reflect deepening public mistrust surrounding the Epstein case and its ties to powerful political and financial elites. While a significant share of Americans believe Trump had some involvement, the mixed opinions reveal a broader crisis of confidence in the possibility of justice.

The topic has resurfaced recently, as high-profile figures, including US billionaire Elon Musk, have suggested that files from the Epstein investigation remain sealed because Trump is mentioned in them.

Details of the Epstein case and allegations

In 2019, Jeffrey Epstein was charged with trafficking minors for sexual exploitation, a charge that carried a prison sentence of up to 40 years, along with conspiracy to engage in such trafficking.

Prosecutors alleged that Epstein abused dozens of underage girls at his residences in New York and Florida between 2002 and 2005. Victims were reportedly paid in cash and, in some cases, recruited other girls as young as 14 years old.

After his arrest in early July 2019, a court in Manhattan denied Epstein bail. Weeks later, he was found “semi-conscious” in his jail cell and was later pronounced dead. Authorities concluded that he had committed suicide.

Musk claims, FBI denial add to speculation

In early June, Elon Musk claimed that Epstein-related files had not been made public because Trump was mentioned in them. This statement added fuel to ongoing public speculation.

However, in a memorandum issued this week, the FBI and the US Department of Justice stated that Epstein had no incriminating “client list” and did not engage in blackmail of high-profile individuals.

Trump and Epstein, a history

Donald Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein dates back to the late 1980s, when both figures operated within elite circles in New York and Palm Beach. They were photographed together at various social gatherings, including parties at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. In a 2002 interview, Trump called Epstein a “terrific guy” and remarked that “he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.”

Flight logs indicate that Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet multiple times in the 1990s, and contact books revealed both his and Melania Trump’s numbers. Court records also allege that Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell recruited a teenage employee at Mar-a-Lago in 2000 to provide massages to Epstein.

Their friendship reportedly ended in 2004 after a real estate dispute over a Palm Beach estate. Trump later claimed he banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago for inappropriate conduct, though this has been contested.