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House Backs Epstein Files Disclosure as Trump Welcomes MBS, Defends Him on Khashoggi

The day underscored congressional pressure for Epstein transparency alongside a White House embrace of Riyadh despite the Khashoggi record.

Overview

  • The House approved the Epstein Files Transparency Act with broad bipartisan support, and the Senate has forwarded the measure to the White House for the president’s decision.
  • After months of resistance, President Trump reversed course and said he would sign the bill, though release timing may still depend on Justice Department reviews, classification issues, or court challenges.
  • Hosting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump asserted the prince "knew nothing" about Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, contradicting a U.S. intelligence assessment that found he approved the killing.
  • Trump signaled prospective F-35 sales and said Saudi Arabia would become a major non‑NATO ally, while Saudi officials pledged to raise U.S. investments to $1 trillion and announced a civil nuclear cooperation framework.
  • Human-rights advocates and Khashoggi’s widow condemned the visit, and Trump’s rebukes of reporters over Epstein and Khashoggi questions drew additional scrutiny.