LIVE: US House to vote on Epstein files’ release as Trump drops opposition

Congress has approved a bill requiring the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, which will be sent to President Trump for his signature. Once signed, the Justice Department will have 30 days to disclose the materials. This legislative action reflects a strong bipartisan effort to enhance transparency regarding the Epstein investigation.

The White House has dispatched Pentagon officials to Ukraine in an effort to revive peace talks, following a series of unsuccessful attempts to engage Moscow in discussions aimed at halting the ongoing conflict. This initiative reflects the administration's continued commitment to finding a diplomatic resolution to the war, despite previous overtures yielding minimal results.

The Senate has swiftly approved legislation requiring the release of investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives. The House voted overwhelmingly in favor of the bill, with a tally of 427-1. This bipartisan effort comes after President Donald Trump and his allies shifted their stance and indicated support for the bill, which is now set to be sent to Trump for his signature.

President Trump defended Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, asserting he 'knew nothing' about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This statement contradicts a CIA assessment that concluded the Crown Prince approved the killing. Trump's remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of U.S.-Saudi relations and the implications of Khashoggi's murder on international diplomacy.

President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of military strikes against drug cartels in Mexico. Trump had indicated openness to such actions, stating, "It's OK with me," but Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico will not accept any U.S. intervention in its territory, citing historical context from the Mexican-American War. This stance reflects Mexico's commitment to sovereignty and non-interventionism in its domestic affairs.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud visited the White House, where he was warmly welcomed by President Trump. The visit included a military flyover and a friendly exchange between the two leaders in the Oval Office, highlighting the ongoing relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. This marks the Crown Prince's first visit to the U.S. in seven years, emphasizing the importance of security and investment discussions during this meeting.

Former President Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, asserting that he was unaware of the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This claim contradicts a CIA assessment that indicated the Crown Prince orchestrated the killing. Trump's remarks came during a meeting where he welcomed the Crown Prince to the White House, marking his first visit since the incident. The defense of the Crown Prince has drawn criticism and raised questions about U.S. foreign policy and intelligence assessments.

The US House of Representatives has voted to compel the Justice Department to release the remaining documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. This decision follows extensive pressure from various stakeholders, including victims of Epstein. The vote reflects a significant step towards transparency in the investigation surrounding Epstein's actions and the implications for those involved.