Donald Trump is "threatening to play games" with the release of Jeffrey Epstein's files, DNC Chair Ken Martin has said.
In a statement released by the Democratic Party, Martin suggested there is a long-term plan in place from the president to avoid releasing all of the files. The House voted to release the files with a 427 to 1 vote on the act, which has since been signed off by Trump.
The Department of Justice now has 30 days to release the files "in a searchable and downloadable" format. Despite the bill passing, DNC Chair Martin believes there is still a struggle ahead for releasing the files.
He wrote, "For months, Donald Trump and his White House have done everything in their power to defy and deceive the American people and keep the Epstein Files buried. Now — as his approval ratings plummet to the lowest level of this term — he’s suddenly had a ‘change of heart.’ But we can see where this is headed: He’s already threatening to play games with the files that are released and those that are withheld."
Martin also called for there to be complete transparency when releasing the files and that it was "time to finally deliver" on the truth.
He continued, "Here’s our call: Protect survivors, withhold nothing. Trump’s Department of Justice must release ALL of the Epstein Files immediately. Americans are done being jerked around and know that any move from the administration to delay or obscure any information will be seen for what it is — a government cover-up designed to protect the wealthy, the well-connected, and Donald Trump.
"The public deserves transparency, and the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes deserve justice and accountability. It’s time to finally deliver what Americans have been demanding from the start: the truth." Trump had initially opposed the release of Epstein's files but bowed to the demands of the GOP earlier this week and confirmed he would sign the bill should it pass.
The president ultimately supported the move to force the Department of Justice to release non-classified files related to Epstein following pressure from members of the Republican Party and the Democrats.
Trump's decision to support the bill, rather than oppose it and the many GOP representatives calling for its release, was a "long time coming," according to CNN's Zachary B. Wolf.
Wolf wrote, "President Donald Trump was confronted by his fellow Republicans. And he fell in line. The flip-flop was a long time coming. The House of Representatives stayed out of session for more than a month during the government shutdown, which helped to shield Trump from this vote."
