What are the Epstein files? All you need to know
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A billboard in in New York City's Times Square calls for the release of the Epstein files on July 23. Photo: Adam Gray/Getty Images
Calls for the Trump administration to release the remaining Epstein files are growing.
The big picture: Attorney General Pam Bondi released in February more than 100 pages of documents that she described as the "first phase of the declassified Epstein files," but she faced scrutiny over why the lack of significant new revelations — something she blamed on the FBI.
- The Department of Justice's handling of evidence in the case has triggered a rare conflict between President Trump and his MAGA base — and prompted a Republican-led House committee to pass a Democrat's motion to subpoena the Justice Department on the Epstein files.
What are the Epstein files?
The Epstein files are the evidence gathered by law enforcement working on investigations into the late financier and convicted child sex offender, and his associates. That includes Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence in Florida after being found guilty of sex trafficking and other charges in 2021.
- This collection of materials are referred to as the Epstein files, which includes the documents released by Bondi.
- Among the documents that Bondi released were flight logs, a redacted contact book and masseuse list and an evidence list, but other records remain under seal.
- More than 1,000 pages of documents were already unsealed by a federal court in January 2024.
Does the Epstein client list exist?
Bondi was asked on Fox News in February about whether the DOJ would release a list of Epstein's clients. "It's sitting on my desk right now to review," she replied.
- "That's been a directive by President Trump. I'm reviewing that."
- However, the DOJ and FBI announced this month they have no evidence he blackmailed powerful figures, kept a "client list" or that he was murdered, as many in MAGA circles have speculated.
- FBI deputy director Dan Bongino, who as a podcaster questioned official findings that Epstein died by suicide in his New York cell while awaiting charges of sex trafficking minors in 2019, clashed with Bondi over the handling of the files and took a day off work in response.
What is Trump's connection to Epstein?
Trump was photographed with Epstein on multiple occasions and called him a "terrific guy" in a 2002 interview, but the Washington Post reported they had a falling out two years later over a foreclosed oceanfront mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, after the president outbid him for the property.
- "I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you," Trump said after Epstein was arrested in 2019.
- Trump has not been implicated in any of Epstein's illegal behavior.
The latest: Bondi notified Trump months ago that he was named in the Epstein files, multiple outlets reported this week. But the DOJ called the reports false.
- The AG and deputy attorney general Todd Blanche allegedly told the president this spring that his name, as well as those of other high-profile individuals, appeared as they re-examined documents related to the case that hadn't been made public, per the New York Times.
- "This is a collection of falsehoods and innuendo designed to push a bulls**t narrative and drive clicks," DOJ spokesperson Gates McGavick said about the reports.
- It was not immediately clear what the documents were, or in what context Trump's name was raised.
What has Trump's reaction been?
The president has faced pressure from MAGA circles since the conclusion of his administration's review of the case and tried to move his base on from Epstein.
- "Are people still talking about this guy, this creep?" Trump said in response to a reporter's question on his administration's handling of the files earlier this month. "This guy's been talked about for years. That is unbelievable."
- Days later, he denounced "PAST supporters," whom he described as "weaklings," for their focus on what he called the "Jeffrey Epstein Hoax."
- Trump maintains any documents linking him to Epstein are a "hoax" cooked up by the same forces behind the Russia investigation.
- The president announced last week he had directed Bondi to release all relevant grand jury testimony in the Epstein case, subject to court approval.
Zoom in: Trump sued the Wall Street Journal last week over a story describing a "bawdy" birthday letter bearing his name that the outlet says was given to Jeffrey Epstein.
- The president said he personally warned the WSJ and owner Rupert Murdoch "that the supposed letter" was "a FAKE."
- The letter, which the WSJ reports that it reviewed, was in a leather-bound album that Maxwell put together in 2003 for Epstein's birthday, according to the story.
Go deeper: DOJ calls reports saying AG told Trump he was named in Epstein files "falsehoods"
