Survey: Just 25% of Americans believe Trump kept his promise to release the Epstein files

After months of resistance, President Trump signed legislation last week mandating the Justice Department to make public all records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite this action, only 25% of Americans believe Trump has fulfilled his commitment to release the files, according to a recent Yahoo/YouGov survey. Meanwhile, 48% think he has not, and 27% remain uncertain.

The poll, conducted from November 21 to 24 among 1,684 U.S. adults, followed Congress passing and Trump signing the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act. The law requires the Justice Department to publish all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials related to Epstein in a searchable, downloadable format within 30 days.

The bill enjoys overwhelming public support: 84% approve while only 3% disapprove. Approval spans party lines, with 83% of Republicans, 87% of independents, and 90% of Democrats supporting it.

Public Sentiment on Epstein and File Release

In July, 84% of respondents said Epstein was guilty of most charges against him, and the same percentage endorsed releasing all information the government held on him. These numbers remain unchanged.

Trumps Handling of Epstein Matters

Epstein was arrested in July 2019 for paying teenage girls, some as young as 14, for sexual acts, after previously pleading guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor. He died in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial. Since then, theories have circulated claiming Epstein was killed to protect influential figures.

During the 2020 and 2024 campaigns, Trump repeatedly commented on Epsteins death and pledged to declassify the files if reelected. After returning to the White House, he directed the Justice Department to review the evidence, including over 100,000 pages of documents and digital materials.

In July, DOJ and FBI issued a joint memo stating Epstein committed suicide and no client list existed. This echoed prior Biden administration findings but angered some Trump supporters who accused him of failing to release all files. Trump initially opposed the Epstein Files Transparency Act but reversed course when the bills passage became inevitable, urging House Republicans to approve it.

Public Opinion on Trumps Approach

Approval of Trumps handling of the Epstein investigation is now 28%, up from 21% in July, largely due to increased Republican support. Yet 54% of Americans disapprove, and 52% say Trump mostly opposed releasing the files earlier this year. Only 24% believe he has supported their release in recent months. Half of Americans feel the administration has delivered less than promised, including 73% of Democrats and 57% of independents, with 26% of Republicans unsure.

Surveyed Americans generally disagree with Trumps justifications for withholding information. Only 19% view the files as a Democratic hoax or boring, while 80% agree that releasing the files is right for victims and national transparency. Even among Republicans, 75% support transparency over Trumps Democrat hoax framing.

Expectations for the Epstein Files

Americans broadly want the files fully released but remain skeptical. Approximately 74% believe the government has withheld information about Epstein, up from 69% in July. Party lines diverge on reasons: 82% of Democrats think the files were hidden to protect Trump, while most Republicans suspect the files might implicate Democrats or are uncertain.

Self-identified MAGA Republicans show strong support for Trumps handling (70%), compared to 35% of non-MAGA Republicans. The new law allows the DOJ to withhold victim identities, ongoing investigation material, and classified content, which may limit public disclosure.

Attorney General Pam Bondi cited victim privacy and concerns over distributing abusive content to explain the limited release earlier this year. Bondi also initiated investigations into several Democrats mentioned in Epsteins emails at Trumps direction, despite prior DOJ/FBI findings indicating no further action was necessary.

When asked, 55% of Americans expect the files to be released in a limited format with redactions, while only 18% believe they will be fully disclosed.

Survey Methodology

The Yahoo/YouGov survey sampled 1,684 U.S. adults online from November 21 to 24, 2025. The sample was weighted for gender, age, race, education, 2024 election turnout, presidential vote, party ID, and voter registration, based on 2019 American Community Survey targets. Party ID weighting reflected the 2024 election (31% Democratic, 32% Republican). The margin of error is approximately 3%.

Analysis of Public Opinion on Epstein Files Release

The recent signing of the Epstein Files Transparency Act by President Trump has sparked significant public debate, yet the expected transparency appears elusive. Despite the legislation mandating the full release of records related to Jeffrey Epstein, only 25% of Americans believe Trump has honored his commitment. According to a Yahoo/YouGov poll conducted from November 21 to 24, 48% of respondents feel that the release has not been sufficiently executed, and 27% remain uncertain.

The legislation mandates the Justice Department to release unclassified documents, communications, and investigative materials about Epstein within 30 days. Despite strong bipartisan support for this move, with 84% of Americans approving the law, public sentiment regarding the actual release of these files is mixed. A significant portion of the public believes the files will not be fully disclosed, with 55% expecting redactions to protect sensitive information, including victim identities.

Public opinion on Trump’s handling of the Epstein matter remains divided. Although approval of his actions has slightly increased since July, rising from 21% to 28%, a majority of Americans disapprove of his approach. Critics point to Trump's delayed support for the legislation and skepticism regarding the full transparency of the files. The Justice Department's previous decision to withhold certain materials has fueled accusations that information is being hidden to protect influential figures, whether within the administration or beyond.

While the law promises transparency, the limitations on content release—due to privacy and ongoing investigation concerns—mean that the public’s desire for full disclosure may remain unfulfilled. As the files are released, the true extent of government transparency will become clearer, but skepticism among the public, particularly regarding withheld content, remains high.

Sources:

• Poll: Only 25% of Americans think Trump has 'followed through' on his promise to release the Epstein files