Trump Ends Shutdown, Orders Epstein Probe of Democrats

President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) ending the 43-day government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history—while simultaneously announcing a surprise Justice Department investigation into Democratic ties to Jeffrey Epstein, escalating an already explosive week in Washington.

Flanked by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Trump declared victory over what he branded the “Democrat Extortion Shutdown,” claiming the deal blocked a “massive omnibus spending spree” and preserved his leverage for future negotiations. “We won. They folded. America is back to work,” Trump said, signing the bill with a gold Sharpie as cameras flashed.

The CR, passed by the House 222-209 and the Senate 60-40 earlier this week, funds the government through January 30, 2026, at current levels. It reverses 4,000 federal layoffs, restores back pay for 670,000 furloughed workers, and resumes full SNAP benefits after a chaotic November cutoff that left 42 million Americans scrambling.

But the celebration was short-lived. Within minutes, Trump pivoted to the Epstein files, ordering Attorney General Pam Bondi to launch an immediate probe into high-profile Democrats linked to the late financier—naming former President Bill Clinton, economist Larry Summers, and tech billionaire Reid Hoffman as initial targets.

“This is not a distraction. This is justice,” Trump said, holding up a red folder labeled EPSTEIN – DEMOCRAT CONNECTIONS. “While Democrats tried to hold your government hostage over Obamacare handouts, we’re going to expose who really flew on that plane, who really knew, and who really covered it up.”

The move blindsided GOP leaders. Just 48 hours earlier, the House Oversight Committee released 20,000 Epstein documents—including emails where Epstein mocked Trump’s business tactics and tracked his movements. Though no direct accusations against Trump surfaced, the files fueled a bipartisan discharge petition—now at 218 signatures—forcing a full House vote next week on releasing all DOJ Epstein files.

Trump’s counter-investigation, led by former SEC Chairman Jay Clayton, marks a dramatic reversal from a July 2025 DOJ memo concluding no further probes were warranted. Bondi vowed “full transparency—starting with the other side.”

The announcement triggered instant backlash. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), a vocal proponent of full Epstein disclosure, called Trump’s move “a betrayal of the victims.” “We want all the files—Trump included,” she posted on X, earning 1.2 million views in an hour. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) echoed her, saying, “This isn’t about party. It’s about truth.”

Democrats were apoplectic. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the probe “a desperate deflection from the most damaging shutdown in history.” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) accused Trump of “weaponizing the DOJ to protect himself while millions suffered without paychecks or food stamps.”

On X, #EpsteinFiles and #TrumpShutdown trended globally. Viral clips showed TSA workers cheering their return at Reagan National, juxtaposed with SNAP recipients in Atlanta lining up at food banks. One post by @mmpadellan—“He ends the shutdown, then starts a witch hunt. Classic Trump.”—garnered 3.4 million impressions.

Economic fallout continues. The shutdown cost $25 billion in lost output and 60,000 private-sector jobs, per the Council of Economic Advisers. Flight delays peaked at 28% last week; TSA bonus payments of $10,000 sparked union outrage. Federal workers report retaliation for social media criticism during the crisis.

With the House set to vote on full Epstein file release as early as Monday, Trump faces a defining test. A veto would alienate his base—70% of GOP voters want the files public, per a new Rasmussen poll—while passage could expose damaging ties across both parties.

As federal offices reopen Monday, one thing is clear: Trump’s “victory” may have ended the shutdown, but it ignited a firestorm that could define the 2026 midterms—and his presidency.