AOC Supports Epstein Files Transparency Act II, Accuses Trump Administration of Withholding Records

# What happened

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told MeidasTouch Network journalist Pablo Manriquez she will support the new Epstein Files Transparency Act II. She framed the bill as necessary because, in her view, the Justice Department and the Trump administration have not complied with existing disclosure requirements.

# AOC's claim

Ocasio-Cortez said the Trump administration is "putting enormous effort and political capital into protecting a bunch of pedophiles." She accused the administration of breaking the law by withholding or redacting Justice Department documents related to Jeffrey Epstein instead of making them available to Congress and the public.

# Background on the original law

# Why supporters pushed a second bill

Supporters of the second act say the DOJ has been slow and incomplete in releasing records mandated by the 2025 law. Related coverage and legal actions have kept the issue in court, including a judge pressing the Department of Justice over remaining withheld material and FBI notes discussed in other reporting.

# Related developments

• Rep. Yassamin Ansari and other backers are collecting signatures to force the second bill to the House floor. A discharge petition would need 218 signatures to bypass regular procedures.
• A federal judge has recently ordered the DOJ to explain remaining withholdings in litigation tied to the Epstein files, and some reporting highlights handwritten FBI notes that have not been released.
• Separate reports indicate a cache of files previously thought missing appeared online, and some of those files include serious allegations involving high-profile individuals.

# What this means now

If the Epstein Files Transparency Act II gains traction in the House, it would attempt to compel fuller release of the records that critics say remain hidden or redacted. The political stakes are high: critics point to alleged noncompliance with the 2025 law and to unresolved questions that persist in public and legal arenas.

# Takeaway for readers

AOC's support signals continued congressional pressure for full transparency on records tied to Jeffrey Epstein. The dispute centers on whether the Justice Department has complied with the 2025 disclosure law and on efforts by lawmakers to force additional releases through legislation or floor action.

# Short timeline

• November 19, 2025: President Trump signed the original Epstein Files Transparency Act.

• September 3, 2026: AOC publicly states she will back the second Epstein Files Transparency Act in an interview.

# What to watch next

Watch for progress on the discharge petition to get the bill to the House floor, further court rulings on DOJ compliance, and any new releases or leaks of documents that could affect public or congressional actions.