US Justice Department starts Epstein file release; names, photos redacted
What's the story
The United States Justice Department has released hundreds of thousands of pages related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The newly disclosed files prominently feature former President Bill Clinton but have little mention of current President Donald Trump. The exact number of documents released under the congressionally mandated deadline is unclear.
Evidence details
Epstein files include evidence from multiple investigations
The released material includes evidence from several law enforcement investigations into Epstein. Among the photos, partially obscured by a black rectangle, is one of a younger Bill Clinton in a hot tub. Another photo shows Clinton swimming with Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Epstein, who was convicted for child sex trafficking and other offences. Other images include Clinton with Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, but Epstein does not appear in those pictures.
Contact details
Trump's name mentioned in Epstein's contact book
Interestingly, Trump's name is mentioned in a contact book included in the files, though its ownership remains unclear. References to Trump are conspicuous by their absence, given his documented social interactions with Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s. The absence of any photographs or substantial mention of Trump in these newly released files has raised eyebrows.
Bipartisan pressure
Document release follows bipartisan pressure from Congress
The document release comes after bipartisan pressure from the Republicans in Congress. On November 19, Trump signed legislation mandating the Justice Department to release most Epstein-related files within 30 days. This included records related to Epstein's death investigation in federal custody. The bill was a rare moment of bipartisanship after months of resistance from Trump and GOP leaders.
Transparency commitment
White House emphasizes commitment to transparency
The White House has emphasized its commitment to transparency with the release of these files. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said, "By releasing thousands of pages of documents...the Trump Administration has done more for the victims than Democrats ever have." She also pointed out other Democrats with past ties to Epstein, including Delegate Stacey Plaskett, who received text messages from Epstein during a 2019 House hearing with Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney.
Investigation focus
Clinton spokesperson says investigation isn't about him
A spokesperson for Bill Clinton has said that the Epstein investigation isn't about him. Angel Urea said, "They can release as many grainy 20-plus-year-old photos as they want, but this isn't about Bill Clinton." Urea added, there are two types of people involved: those who cut ties with Epstein before his crimes came to light and those who continued their relationships afterward.
Victim identification
Over 1,200 victims identified in Epstein case
The Justice Department has identified over 1,200 people as victims of Epstein or their family members. This was disclosed in a letter to Congress explaining how the department reviewed and prepared the Epstein files for public release. During this process, lawyers representing Epstein's victims were asked to submit names, according to Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general.