February 19, 2026
Dear Mr. Neece,
Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding the Trump administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. I appreciate hearing from you, and I share your commitment to government transparency and accountability. I fully agree that the Jeffrey Epstein files must be released.
On July 6, 2019, hedge-fund manager Jeffrey Epstein was arrested on federal charges related to sex trafficking. The unsealed indictment alleged that between 2002 and 2005, Epstein recruited dozens of underage girls to his residences in New York City and Palm Beach, Florida for sexual acts in exchange for money, and often paid them to recruit additional minors to engage in similar sex acts for money. Records, commonly referred to as the Epstein Files, reportedly consist of documents that the Attorney General previously indicated include a roster that disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein kept of powerful clients to whom he trafficked underaged girls. President Trump had a close and well-documented friendship with Epstein.
President Trump and his senior officials made a promise to the American people: if elected, they would release the Epstein files. In February, Trump’s Attorney General, Pamela Bondi, said she had the Epstein files on her desk. However, in May, Bondi told President Trump that he was in the files. President Trump demanded that his followers “move on”.
In addition to concerns about legal transparency, releasing the Epstein files is essential as a means of justice for the survivors of Epstein’s actions, those who came forward at great personal risk and may never see full accountability for those involved. I have met with Epstein victims and was moved as they recounted their heartbreaking experiences as survivors of child sexual abuse. The Trump Administration’s failure to release these files and disclose the truth to the American public is shameful.
That is why I strongly support the release of all possible records related to the Epstein investigation. On September 2nd, 2025, I signed a discharge petition to require that H.Res.581, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, be brought to the floor for a vote. This bipartisan resolution would require the Attorney General to preserve, compile, and publish the Epstein files by December, 19th, 2026. On November 18, 2025, H.Res. 581 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 427-1 and the U.S. Senate under unanimous consent. President Trump signed the resolution into law on November 19, 2025. Despite the Epstein Files Transparency Act becoming law, the Department of Justice failed to release all of the files by the bill’s December 19th deadline. This is unacceptable and another example of the Trump Administration seeking to defy federal law and Congressional authority.
Rest assured, I will continue working with my colleagues to press for the full truth and the release of the full files.
Again, thank you for contacting me on this important issue. Democracy works best when we stay in touch, so I invite you to visit chu.house.gov and sign up for e-mail updates at chu.house.gov/contact/newsletter. And get late-breaking news at facebook.com/repjudychu, twitter.com/repjudychu or https://bsky.app/profile/chu.house.gov.
In friendship,
Judy Chu, PhD
Member of Congress
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