Fact Check: Biden wanted to release the epstein files but Republicans blocked it

Fact Check: "Biden wanted to release the Epstein files but Republicans blocked it"

What We Know

The claim that "Biden wanted to release the Epstein files but Republicans blocked it" stems from recent political tensions surrounding the handling of Jeffrey Epstein's files. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His case has generated significant public interest, particularly regarding the potential involvement of high-profile individuals in his crimes.

In July 2025, House Democrats attempted to force a vote on releasing Epstein-related files, which they argued were necessary for transparency (source-2). However, this motion was blocked by Republican leadership, which included Speaker Mike Johnson, who publicly stated that while he supported transparency, he opposed the procedural motion advanced by Democrats (source-2).

The Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Trump administration had previously stated that there was no credible evidence of a client list related to Epstein, which has fueled ongoing debates about the release of any files (source-1). While Biden's administration had access to the files, it has not been explicitly stated that Biden himself sought to release them, leading to ambiguity about the claim.

Analysis

The assertion that Biden wanted to release the Epstein files but was blocked by Republicans is partially true. It is clear that there is a division within the Republican Party regarding the release of these files, with some members, including Speaker Mike Johnson, advocating for transparency while simultaneously blocking Democratic efforts to bring the issue to a vote (source-2).

However, there is no direct evidence that President Biden himself has made a formal request to release the files. The claim seems to conflate the actions of Democratic lawmakers with Biden's personal stance. Furthermore, the DOJ's previous findings under the Trump administration, which indicated no incriminating evidence regarding Epstein's client list, complicate the narrative that Biden was eager to release files that may not exist (source-1).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the Washington Post and BBC being reputable news organizations. However, the political context surrounding the issue introduces potential bias, as both parties have vested interests in how the Epstein case is portrayed.

Conclusion

The claim that "Biden wanted to release the Epstein files but Republicans blocked it" is partially true. While there is evidence that some Republicans have resisted efforts to release Epstein-related files, there is no clear indication that Biden himself sought to release these files. The situation reflects a complex interplay of political maneuvering rather than a straightforward narrative of obstruction.

Fact Check: Biden wanted to release the epstein files but Republicans blocked it