A. Rahman
The Justice Department made public more than 3 million pages of documents tied to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking probe on Friday, shedding light on his connections to high-profile individuals and drawing sharp criticism from survivors for inadequate protections.
The massive release includes emails, FBI reports, draft legal documents, and other materials from the long-running investigation into the late financier, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the review process is complete, noting that the White House played no role in overseeing it. The files mention figures like President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, former President Bill Clinton, and ex-Obama White House counsel Kathy Ruemmler, among others, though no new charges have emerged.
Among the standout items is a draft indictment from the 2000s in Florida that considered charging Epstein and three unnamed accomplices with enticing underage girls into prostitution, but those charges never materialized as part of his controversial 2008 plea deal. Emails reveal Epstein gossiping about Trump with former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers in 2017, where Summers questioned Trump’s involvement in Russian election meddling, and Epstein called him “dumb.”
FBI documents list unverified sexual assault allegations against Trump, including a 1994 claim from a then-13-year-old girl who alleged rape by both Epstein and Trump, though she later dropped related lawsuits. Another memo describes a victim being “presented” to Trump at a party by Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, but noting that “nothing happened.” Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein.
The files also show Musk coordinating trips to Epstein’s private islands in 2013, contradicting his later statements that he turned down such invitations. Clinton is referenced in Epstein’s 2016 deposition, where he invoked the Fifth Amendment multiple times regarding their relationship and the Clinton Foundation. Ruemmler exchanged emails with Epstein in 2014 and 2015, including one where she sought his input on a statement and another about a luxury trip he arranged for her.
Other revelations include emails about former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak staying at Epstein’s New York home, and financier Howard Lutnick planning meetings with him despite public denials. A video of Epstein’s jail cell from the time of his death was also released, along with details from his cellmate urging him not to take his own life.
Survivors, including family members of key accuser Virginia Giuffre, blasted the release in a joint statement, calling it a “betrayal” that exposes victims while shielding enablers through redactions. “This is being sold as transparency, but it actually retraumatizes survivors,” they said. Lawmakers like Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie have called for unredacted versions.
The DOJ explained in a letter to Congress that redactions covered victims’ identities, age verifications, and unsubstantiated claims to avoid spreading falsehoods. Officials stressed that no “client list” exists, countering persistent rumors. The documents contain graphic accounts of abuse, underscoring the severity of Epstein’s crimes and the ongoing quest for accountability.
This latest dump reignites debates over Epstein’s lenient 2008 deal and his web of influence among the elite, with journalists and investigators poring over the trove for further insights.
