Clinton, Epstein survivors demand more transparency. Here's what's missing
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Photos of Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger, Richard Branson and Ghislaine Maxwell are shown as the Justice Department releases records from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 19. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
Former President Clinton and Jeffrey Epstein's survivors are demanding more transparency after the Justice Department failed to release all the Epstein files as required last week.
Why it matters: The files are the deepest look yet at the convicted sex offender's crimes and his connections to powerful people in the world of business and politics. But the heavy redactions and missing documents obscure the full picture.
Driving the news: Clinton, whose was pictured throughout the files, called on the Justice Department to release all documents related to the former president in the name of transparency.
- Clinton has previously said he was unaware of Epstein's crimes and had ended their acquaintance.
- Similarly, more than a dozen Epstein survivors urged Congress in a letter to hold the DOJ accountable for delaying the files's release.
- The survivors said the Epstein files were released with "abnormal and extreme redactions with no explanation."
The DOJ said the initial release is part of a longer rollout.
Here's a look at what we know and what we don't know.
Epstein files have been released before.
Many of the so-called "Epstein files" have been shared throughout the year by lawmakers and the Justice Department, including Friday's drop.
- Democratic and Republican lawmakers have released thousands of files and photos that were subpoenaed from the estate.
Epstein files are available online.
The DOJ made the thousands of documents and images accessible on its website.
Other files, including those published by lawmakers, are available through social media posts and government websites.
Read more about where the Epstein files are here.
DOJ redacted several Epstein files.
There are still files missing from the DOJ's archive, with many of the pages and audio files in the DOJ's library featuring major redactions.
- Several of the files are filled with black bars to conceal information.
Context: The DOJ can redact files to protect ongoing investigation, including the department's probe into Clinton, or protect survivors' information.
Trump photo removed (then restored).
Over the weekend, the Justice Department removed more than a dozen files originally available within the initial release, per multiple reports.
- One of the photos appeared to show President Trump with women, including at least one in a bikini.
What they're saying: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told "Meet the Press" Sunday called speculation that the photo was removed because Trump was in it was "laughable."
- He also told NBC's Kristen Welker that the DOJ removed the photo because of the women included in the picture.
The DOJ defended its position, saying the Southern District of New York had flagged the image "for potential further action to protect victims" and that the DOJ had pulled it down "out of an abundance of caution."
Photos of Clinton appear in Epstein files.
The DOJ's release last week included several photos that showed Clinton, including pictures of him in a pool.
Other celebrities were also spotted throughout the photos, including:
- Michael Jackson.
- The former Prince Andrew.
- Mick Jagger.
Epstein files show his private island.
The trove of documents released last week, as well as other files shared by lawmakers over the last few months, offered clues into Epstein's estate on the island of Little St. James, often called "Epstein Island."
- The area measures roughly 72 acres and sits about two miles off the coast of St. Thomas, which is a part of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- In 2023, the islands were sold to Stephen Deckoff, who wants to turn them into a luxury resort, per Bloomberg.
Epstein's connections to the wealthy.
The new batch of files raised question about Epstein made his money. He did so, per reports, by serving as a financier for extremely wealthy clients.
- A 2021 report from the SEC explained how Apollo Management founder Leon Black paid Epstein roughly $148 million, including $70 million in 2014 alone.
- "Epstein seems to have sought out individuals who were so rich that they faced tax bills well into the billions of dollars," Felix Salmon reported for Axios at the time.
- "He would then offer his services as a friend, confidante, and general billionaire whisperer — the kind of person who will help you buy a yacht."
Flashback: A number of high-profile names have been mentioned alongside Epstein-related documents and investigations for years, including, Larry Summers, Bill Gates and Stephen Hawking.
When to expect new Epstein files
It's unclear when every single file will be released (or if that will ever happen).
- "Photos and other materials will continue being reviewed and redacted consistent with the law in an abundance of caution as we receive additional information," the Justice Department said in a statement on X on Saturday.
More from Axios:
Here are all the "Epstein files" that have been released — and which haven't
What are the Epstein files? All you need to know
