A new poll has revealed that only a small fraction of Americans believe Donald Trump was unaware of Jeffrey Epstein's history of sexual abuse. The survey, conducted by Morning Consult, was released just hours before the US House of Representatives voted to compel the Department of Justice to release its files on the late sex offender.
According to the poll, just 15% of respondents said Trump did not know about Epstein's abuse, while 60% said he was aware. Of those, 38% believe the former president participated in the criminal behaviour. The results come a week after a House committee released emails in which Epstein claimed Trump 'knew about the girls' and 'spent hours' with a victim.
The survey, conducted from 14-16 November with 2,201 registered voters, has a margin of error of 2 percentage points. Views were sharply divided along party lines, with 80% of Democrats, 60% of independents, and 42% of Republicans saying Trump was aware of the abuse.
Thursday's House vote, which passed nearly unanimously with only one Republican opposing, makes it increasingly likely that the DOJ will release all its files on Epstein. Trump, who previously reversed his opposition, has said he would sign the legislation if it reaches his desk.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated the bill will move 'fairly quickly' through the Senate. The vote was triggered by a discharge petition that garnered enough signatures to force a floor vote.
