President Donald Trump recently commented on Senator Ted Cruz's potential presidential bid for 2028, expressing that he was not surprised by reports of Cruz's interest. In remarks made in the Oval Office, Trump noted, "It's a little early. It's three and a quarter years (away). That's a long time," in response to an Axios report. He referred to Cruz as a "very good guy" and a "very good friend." Cruz, who was one of the 16 Republican candidates Trump faced during the 2016 GOP primary, is reportedly aligning himself with traditional pro-interventionist Republican views, contrasting with Vice President JD Vance, who supports Trump's "America First" foreign policy. Although Trump is constitutionally barred from seeking a third presidential term, he has expressed a desire to serve beyond 2028, acknowledging the legal limitations.

In a separate but related development, the House of Representatives is expected to pass a bill on November 18, 2025, calling for the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a financier who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sexual abuse and trafficking of minors. Trump, who previously opposed the release, has now urged Republicans to support the bill, despite labeling the Epstein scandal a "Democrat hoax." The bill is anticipated to pass with near-unanimous support, as Epstein's victims advocate for greater transparency regarding the abuse they suffered. Haley Robson, an Epstein survivor, emphasized the need to prioritize the human aspect of the issue over political affiliations, stating, "This is a human issue. This is about children."

Survivors have expressed skepticism about Trump's motives for changing his position, with some urging political leaders to focus on justice rather than political agendas. Jena-Lisa Jones, who accused Epstein of abuse, criticized the administration for its inconsistent promises regarding the release of investigation files. The proposed legislation would require the Justice Department to release all files related to Epstein within 30 days, with certain information about victims and ongoing investigations allowed to be redacted. However, concerns remain about potential loopholes that could allow for continued withholding of information.

The bipartisan support for the bill reflects a growing demand for accountability and transparency in addressing systemic issues surrounding Epstein's actions and the broader implications for victims of sexual abuse. As political maneuvering continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the needs and voices of survivors are prioritized in legislative actions.