Republicans and Democrats have accused Donald Trump officials of a cover up after thousands of documents released from the Jeffrey Epstein case are heavily redacted.
The Justice Department released documents on Friday but officials acknowledged the release was incomplete. The photos are also undated and presented without context.
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s DOJ earlier dumped a library of legal documents, paperwork and photos, which included multiple images of former President Bill Clinton lounging in a hot tub; and Epstein with a host of celebrities, including Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Richard Branson, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson.
Being photographed with Epstein, or mentioned in documents, does not suggest wrongdoing.
President Donald Trump did not acknowledge the release of the long-awaited files in a rally speech Friday night, as his administration was blasted for failing to publish the complete documents despite the deadline being set by law.
Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 in federal jail while awaiting trial, was a wealthy and powerful financier accused of sexually abusing and trafficking women and girls for years, alongside his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Epstein files latest: Key points
- Trump makes no mention of Epstein files scandal in North Carolina rally speech
- Photos of Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, former Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson feature in Epstein files
- Not all documents will be released today, deputy attorney general says
- Democrats are 'examining all legal options' to punish DOJ
- Epstein survivors accuse Trump administration of ‘negligence’
Framed photos of Trump and Melania appear in Epstein files
09:00 , Rhian LubinFramed photographs of President Donald Trump and the first lady Melania Trump feature in the Epstein documents released by the Justice Department today.
No accusations of wrongdoing have been made against the president, who has claimed he parted ways with Epstein as friends years ago.
In one of the photographs, which was taken inside a desk drawer, Trump appeared to be pictured alongside a group of smiling women in a grainy photograph.
The women's identities are not redacted.
In another of the framed photos in the desk drawer, which is partially obscured from view, Trump and Melania are pictured with Epstein’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.
That image has already been in the public domain.
Another image of Trump, Melania and Epstein was also taken on Epstein’s desk.
In Pictures: Famous personalities pictured in latest Epstein files 'document dump'
08:30 , Vishwam Sankaran
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured lying across five people in new Epstein files image
08:00 , Rhian LubinAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been pictured lying across the legs of five people in an image released in a huge dump of files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
In the undated photo, convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell appears to peer down and smile at the former prince, who is smiling with his eyes closed and his head near a woman’s lap.
Maxwell – the former girlfriend of Epstein, who is currently serving 20 years in prison for her role in a decade-long scheme to sexually exploit and abuse minor girls with him – can be seen standing beside another woman.
Tara Cobham reports.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured lying over five people in new Epstein files image
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured lying across five people in new Epstein files image
07:48 , Maryam Zakir-HussainAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been pictured lying across the legs of five people in an image released in a huge dump of files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
In the undated photo, convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell appears to peer down and smile at the former prince, who is smiling with his eyes closed and his head near a woman’s lap.
Maxwell – the former girlfriend of Epstein, who is currently serving 20 years in prison for her role in a decade-long scheme to sexually exploit and abuse minor girls with him – can be seen standing beside another woman.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured lying over five people in new Epstein files image
Heavy redactions in released Epstein files draw criticism
07:30 , Vishwam SankaranLawmakers criticised the heavy redaction of information in the latest batch of Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ).
Several pages of the nearly 4,000 files released on Friday were completely redacted, drawing flak from American lawmakers.
“This set of heavily redacted documents released by the Department of Justice today is just a fraction of the whole body of evidence,” senior Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer said in a statement.
Pam Bondi should come before the Judiciary Committee, under oath, and explain this willful violation of the law.
— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) December 19, 2025
The Trump Justice Department has had months to keep their promise to release all of the Epstein Files.
Epstein's survivors and the American people need answers now. pic.twitter.com/EzcBcBleYK
Democratic senator Adam Schiff called on US attorney general Pam Bondi to appear before Congress and explain why all the files had not been released.
Across the aisle, House Republican Thomas Massie said on X that the partial release of the Epstein files “fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law” signed by Trump.
Pictured: New photos of Bill Clinton prominent in Epstein files release
07:00 , Rhian LubinFormer President Bill Clinton appears in several photos released by the Justice Department Friday, which are not dated.
Clinton was friends with Epstein at one point but the former president has said he had no involvement with Epstein’s crimes.
His spokesperson, Angel Urena, hit back in a statement on X and accused the Trump administration of “shielding themselves from what comes next.”
“They can release as many grainy 20-plus-year-old photos as they want, but this isn’t about Bill Clinton” Urena said. “Never has, never will be.”
Being photographed with Epstein, or appearing in the Epstein files does not mean they participated in Epstein’s crimes or knew of them.
What is the DoJ allowed to redact from documents?
06:30 , Ariana BaioThe Epstein Files Transparency Act directed the Justice Department to release everything it has unless they “jeopardize an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution, provided that such withholding is narrowly tailored and temporary.”
The measure also requires the release of documents related to Epstein’s death behind bars.
Attorney General Pam Bondi can redact or withhold documents that include “personally identifiable information” or medical files relating to victims, as well as any content that depicts child sexual abuse, according to the legislation.
Epstein survivors express disappointment over heavy redactions in document dump as more files still to be released
06:00 , Rhian Lubin, Rachel DobkinSurvivors of the late Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged sexual abuse have expressed disappointment over a document dump that was heavily redacted and only partially released.
Epstein survivor Annie Farmer said, “I don't feel tremendously confident that everything will come out.”
“There's been a lot of effort, money & time put into redactions. Not to protect victims, but to protect people in power,” she said in a statement shared by CBS News’ Scott MacFarlane.
Another survivor, Jess Michaels, told MS NOW’s Nicolle Wallace, “Even with an act of Congress we are seeing the exact same delays, negligence, corruption, incompetence that we’ve seen consistently and been advocating about.”
Rachel Dobkin has more details...
Epstein survivors disappointed over heavy redactions and missing files
No context offered with documents and photographs
05:30 , Rhian LubinThe document dump by the Department of Justice consists of thousands of photographs and redacted files in the Jeffrey Epstein case, but no context.
In the enormous data sets, which are split into four batches, the files include photos from various trips Epstein took with associates, images inside his properties, and copies of largely redacted documents from inquiries.
Trump slams ‘highly neurotic’ Marjorie ‘Traitor’ Greene as she pushes DOJ to release complete Epstein files
05:15 , Samantha BeechPresident Donald Trump has again slammed Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her “highly neurotic” and using his “traitor” nickname as she pushes the Justice Department to release all of its files on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Greene was a loyal ally to the president before her recent public rift over issues on affordability, foreign affairs and notably, the Epstein files. Greene was one of a few House Republicans to initially support a bill to force the government to release the files.
During a speech at a rally in North Carolina Friday night, Trump, who was there to convince Americans that his economic agenda was working, went off on a rant about Greene.
“Marjorie Traitor Brown, I call her. Because green turns to brown under stress,” Trump said. The president went on to say the pair had a falling out because he didn’t return her phone calls, calling her “highly neurotic.”
After the Justice Department released thousands — but not all — of the Epstein files Friday, Greene and other lawmakers, slammed the the Trump administration.
“The heavily redacted Epstein files being released” and “failure to release them all by today’s lawful deadline” are “NOT MAGA,”Greene wrote on X.
In an earlier post, Greene said, “Trump called me a traitor for refusing to take my name” off a discharge petition which forced the House to vote on the release of the files. “I couldn’t be more proud I stayed on.”
Rachel Dobkin has the full story.
RECAP: Trump’s DOJ releases heavily redacted batch of Epstein files full of blacked out pages and photos of Ghislaine Maxwell and Bill Clinton
05:01 , Alex WoodwardLast month, after growing demands for a full public accounting of Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged abuse, the president reluctantly signed legislation compelling the Department of Justice, FBI and U.S. attorney’s offices to publish everything in their possession by December 19.
The Justice Department launched a public-facing website Friday afternoon. But officials acknowledged that not all of the materials required under law have been released, and government lawyers are scrambling to make redactions. More than 200 attorneys helped review the documents, deputy attorney general Todd Blanche wrote to members of Congress.
More than 1,200 names were identified as either victims or their relatives, according to Blanche. Those names are being redacted. “Protecting victims is of the highest priority” for the Trump administration, he wrote.
Alex Woodward has the details of Friday’s document release.
Trump’s Justice Department publishes heavily redacted Epstein files
Trump tears into 'highly neurotic' Marjorie 'Traitor' Greene as she pushes DOJ to release complete Epstein files
04:32 , Rhian LubinDonald Trump tore into his former loyalist Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene during his speech in North Carolina after the MAGA firebrand pushed for the Department of Justice to release the Epstein files.
“What the hell happened to her?” Trump ranted to the crowd.
Taylor Greene has hit out at the DOJ, along with Rep. Thomas Massie, for failing to publish all of the documents and for the heavy redactions.
Trump: Marjorie Traitor Brown because green turns to brown under stress. I call her Traitor Brown which I don't like doing, two words is too much, two out of three—we’re changing two. I like Marjorie Taylor Brown better. What the hell happened to her? She’s a stone cold liberal,… pic.twitter.com/tdSv8aniDM
— Acyn (@Acyn) December 20, 2025
Trump tears into 'highly neurotic' Marjorie 'Traitor' Greene as she pushes DOJ to release complete Epstein files
04:07 , Rhian LubinDonald Trump tore into his former loyalist Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene during his speech in North Carolina after the MAGA firebrand pushed for the Department of Justice to release the Epstein files.
“What the hell happened to her?” Trump ranted to the crowd.
Taylor Greene has hit out at the DOJ, along with Rep. Thomas Massie, for failing to publish all of the documents and for the heavy redactions.
Trump: Marjorie Traitor Brown because green turns to brown under stress. I call her Traitor Brown which I don't like doing, two words is too much, two out of three—we’re changing two. I like Marjorie Taylor Brown better. What the hell happened to her? She’s a stone cold liberal,… pic.twitter.com/tdSv8aniDM
— Acyn (@Acyn) December 20, 2025
House Democrat says two key documents in Epstein files yet to be released
04:00 , Rachel DobkinRepresentative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat who helped push for the release of government files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, said the disgraced financier’s 60-count indictment before he reached a plea deal on sex crimes in 2008 and an 82-page memo backing up the charges have yet to be made public.
“The most important documents are missing, they’ve had excessive redactions and the central question that Americans want to know — who were the other rich and powerful men on the island raping these young girls or covering up — has not been answered,” Khanna told CNN.
Rep. Ro Khanna says there were two key documents the survivors wanted released — a 60-count indictment before Epstein got his sweetheart deal and an 82-page memo backing it up — but neither are in today’s release. pic.twitter.com/syyEnPNJVx
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) December 20, 2025
Trump touts his economic agenda in rambling North Carolina rally speech after partial release of Epstein files
03:31 , Andrew FeinbergWith his approval ratings at the lowest levels of his presidency and polls showing Americans believing that he has taken his expansive view of presidential power too far, President Donald Trump is headed to his Palm Beach, Florida social club to close out his year with a two-week vacation.
But before he could get away from the continued furor over the Epstein files and head off for leisure time, golf and parties on the Mar-a-Lago patio, the president had to convince voters at a Rocky Mount, North Carolina rally that whatever economic pain they are feeling nearly a year into his second term in office has absolutely nothing to do with him.
For the first 20 or so minutes after he took the stage, it wasn’t clear whether he would stick to that plan...
Andrew Feinberg reports.
Trump touts his economic agenda in rambling North Carolina rally speech
DOJ pushes back on claims it redacted names of politicians
03:20 , Rhian LubinThe Justice Department has pushed back on accusations that names of politicians were redacted in the Epstein files it released Friday.
GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and former Trump loyalist-turned critic Marjorie Taylor Greene were among those railing against the number of redacted documents in the Epstein files release.
Massie and the Georgia representative shared part of a report by Fox News Digital, which scrutinized the information withheld in the massive documents release:
“The Justice Department redacted the names and identifiers of victims,” Fox reported. “Fox News Digital has learned that the same redaction standards were applied to politically exposed individuals and government officials.”
The department denied the reporting in a statement on X.
The Justice Department is not redacting the names of any politicians.
— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) December 20, 2025
As @DAGToddBlanche made clear: “The only redactions being applied to the documents are those required by law — full stop. Consistent with the statute and applicable laws, we are not redacting the names of…
Watch: Trump claims he no longer cares 'what a woman looks like'
03:07 , Rhian LubinPresident Donald Trump claimed he no longer cares “what a woman looks like.”
Trump made the remarks at a rally Friday evening in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, speaking on the same day as the highly anticipated release of the Epstein files, which the president reluctantly agreed to publish.
“I’m a very aesthetic person, believe me, except with women,” Trump said. “I don't care what a woman looks like. I used to say beautiful. Now I don't care. Since politics, I never mentioned looks anymore,” he claimed, despite earlier pointing out the group of “beautiful” North Carolina women, who supported him at rallies in 2024.
“The most beautiful woman can walk right across, I don't even look at her anymore,” Trump said.
Epstein survivor’s FBI complaint of child pornography released in files dump
02:55 , Rachel Dobkin, Alex WoodwardMaria Farmer, the first woman to file a criminal complaint against Epstein, said in a statement that she has “waited three decades, over half my life,” for this moment.
Farmer, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged sexual abuse, filed a complaint with the FBI in 1996, which she said was “ignored.”
Farmer’s name is redacted, but a complaint from 1996 appears in the files released Friday, claiming that Epstein stole nude images of her and her sister, then ages 16 and 12.
“When I was ignored and hung up on by the FBI in 1996, my world turned upside down and I felt frozen in time,” she said. “I faced death threats, ridicule and mockery by some of the most powerful people on earth.”
The complaint also states Epstein requested Farmer to take pictures of young girls at swimming pools and he threatened to “burn her house down” if she told anyone about the photos.
She said she is hopeful she can “pick up where I left off at age 26.”
“I’ve waited 30 years,” Farmer told the New York Times. “I can’t believe it. They can’t call me a liar anymore.”
Thomas Massie warns future DOJ could convict Pam Bondi over Epstein files
02:35 , Rhian LubinRepresentative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, has warned that a future Justice Department could convict Attorney General Pam Bondi over her handling of files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Massie and Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna of California led the charge to force the Trump administration to release the Epstein files.
The government, by law, had to release everything they had on the disgraced financier, with a few exceptions, by Friday. The Justice Department did release thousands of documents by the deadline, but not all of them.
Massie shared part of a report by Fox News Digital, which scrutinized the information withheld in the massive documents release: “The Justice Department redacted the names and identifiers of victims. Fox News Digital has learned that the same redaction standards were applied to politically exposed individuals and government officials.”
Consider these three attachments:
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 20, 2025
1) Epstein Files Transparency Act
2) Statement from Fox Digital
3) existing criminal statute pic.twitter.com/y4doG4oGOa
The congressman also shared the section of his Epstein Files Transparency Act, which stated, “No record shall be withheld, delayed, or redacted on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary.”
He also posted part of federal law, which states: “Whoever knowingly...conceals, covers up...any record, document, or tangible object with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation or proper administration of any matter...shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.”
In a follow-up post, Massie wrote: “A future DOJ could convict the current AG and others because the Epstein Files Transparency Act is not like a Congressional Subpoena which expires at the end of each Congress.”
A future DOJ could convict the current AG and others because the Epstein Files Transparency Act is not like a Congressional Subpoena which expires at the end of each Congress.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 20, 2025
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said earlier Friday that it would take a “couple of weeks” to release everything his agency had to produce.
In pictures: Trump appears at North Carolina rally after ignoring Epstein questions
02:25 , Rhian LubinDonald Trump is speaking at a North Carolina rally after avoiding questions from reporters about the Epstein files release.
Trump made a brief statement to reporters on his way to the rally in Rocky Mount, but didn’t respond to questions about the Justice Department’s tranche of documents on the late convicted sex offender.
Watch live: Trump appears at North Carolina rally
02:06 , Rhian LubinDonald Trump has started speaking at the rally in North Carolina just a few hours after the Justice Department dropped the Epstein files.
Watch along live below...
Epstein survivors accuse Trump administration of ‘negligence’ and call for more ‘pressure’ to release all the Epstein files
01:55 , Rachel DobkinWomen who have come forward as survivors of the late Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged sexual abuse have accused the Trump administration of “negligence” in its handling of files related to the disgraced financier and call for more “pressure” to release everything the government has on him.
The Justice Department then released thousands of documents, but not all of them as required by law.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said earlier in the day that it would take a “couple of weeks” to release everything his agency had to produce.
One survivor, Jess Michaels, told MSNOW Friday, “Even with an act of Congress we are seeing the exact same delays, negligence, corruption, incompetence that we’ve seen consistently and been advocating about.”
Liz Stein, another Epstein survivor, said, “I think that the best way that the American public can support us is by continuing to put the pressure on and demanding accountability from our government to release all of this information.”
Survivors of Epstein’s abuse pushed for Congress to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Trump begrudgingly signed into law a month ago.
The bill compelled the Justice Department to release all the Epstein files by Friday.
Epstein Survivor Liz Stein: We have been called a hoax, and we are definitely not a hoax. But I think that the American people have seen through that, and they resoundingly responded in putting pressure on their legislators for the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act.… pic.twitter.com/0oHJyWTXCZ
— FactPost (@factpostnews) December 19, 2025
In pictures: Trump arrives in North Carolina for rally speech
01:44 , Rachel Dobkin
U.S. Attorney told judges his office 'rigorously reviewed' files published today
01:40 , Alex WoodwardU.S. Attorney Jay Clayton wrote to the judges overseeing Epstein and Maxwell’s cases, stating that his office “rigorously reviewed” the files that were published today and determined that none contain “personally identifiable” victim information, or other information that would “constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy.”
He also said there could be “over redactions” as the Justice Department erred on the side of caution in the compressed time frame.”
AOC slams the partial release: 'Now the coverup is out in the open. This is far from over.'
01:30 , Eric GarciaRep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) slammed the Department of Justice only partially releasing the files.
Ocasio-Cortez posted on X about the partial release.
“Now the coverup is out in the open,” she said. “This is far from over. Everyone involved will have to answer for this. Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, whole admin. Protecting a bunch of rapists and pedophiles because they have money, power, and connections.”
Now the coverup is out in the open. This is far from over.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 19, 2025
Everyone involved will have to answer for this. Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, whole admin.
Protecting a bunch of rapists and pedophiles because they have money, power, and connections.
Bondi should resign tonight. https://t.co/7KILMsuPwv
RECAP: Trump’s DOJ releases heavily redacted batch of Epstein files full of blacked out pages and photos of Ghislaine Maxwell and Bill Clinton
01:20 , Alex WoodwardThousands of documents from investigations into Jeffrey Epstein have finally been released by Donald Trump’s administration after months of public pressure.
While an initial round of long-awaited documents includes a vast library of salacious images and photographs of high-profile figures, it remains unclear whether they shed any new light on Epstein’s crimes and his alleged connections to a sex trafficking ring implicating prominent officials who exploited and abused young girls.
Disclosures related to the Epstein Files Transparency Act include hundreds of undated photographs, including from inside Epstein’s Manhattan apartment and on his private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Photographs submitted by law enforcement investigating the inside of his New York property include sex toys and costumes, images of women exposing themselves, folders full of photographs of nearly naked women, and nude paintings and sculptures of women’s breasts.
Alex Woodward has the story.
Trump’s Justice Department publishes heavily redacted Epstein files
Epstein survivor attorney calls for ‘accountability’ as abuse victim says she’s not ‘tremendously confident’ all files will be released
01:00 , Rachel DobkinGloria Allred, an attorney for victims of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, asked in a CNN interview Friday, “The question is: ‘Is there a cover-up?’ What are they hiding? What is in there that perhaps some powerful people would not like revealed?”
“Why are the survivors fighting to have the release of all of the files? And the reason is because they want accountability. If there are rich, powerful, famous men who engaged in or assisted in or conspired to sex traffic underage girls, they want to know who those people are,” Allred said.
One of the survivors, Maria Farmer —who said the FBI ignored her when she reported the sexual abuse she had faced allegedly at the hands of Epstein in 1996 — wrote in a statement issued earlier Friday that she was “hopeful” that the release of government files related to Epstein would be “an important step for many of the survivors and to hold the government accountable for their grotesque law enforcement failure.”
The Justice Department then released thousands of documents, but not all of them as required by law. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said earlier in the day that it would take a “couple of weeks” to release everything his agency had to produce.
CBS News Justice Correspondent Scott MacFarlane shared a quote from Annie Farmer, Maria’s sister, who says she was also sexually abused by Epstein: “I don't feel tremendously confident that everything will come out... there's been a lot of effort, money & time put into redactions. Not to protect victims, but to protect people in power.”
BREAKING: The attorney for multiple Jeffrey Epstein survivors, Gloria Allred, just condemned the Trump DOJ for their lack of action on the Epstein files:
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) December 19, 2025
“The question is: ‘Is there a cover-up?’ What are they hiding? What is in there that perhaps some powerful people would not… pic.twitter.com/72QqJufttH
NEW: Trump ignores questions from reporters on Epstein
00:41 , Rhian LubinPresident Donald Trump briefly spoke to reporters this evening but ignored questions about the Epstein files.
He made a brief statement about cuts to drug costs and said talks with insurance companies are in the works.
Trump is due to speak at a rally in North Carolina later tonight to talk about the economy.
Framed photos of Trump and Melania appear in Epstein files
00:35 , Rhian LubinFramed photographs of President Donald Trump and the first lady Melania Trump feature in the Epstein documents released by the Justice Department today.
No accusations of wrongdoing have been made against the president, who has claimed he parted ways with Epstein as friends years ago.
In one of the photographs, which was taken inside a desk drawer, Trump appeared to be pictured alongside a group of smiling women in a grainy photograph.
The women's identities are not redacted.
In another of the framed photos in the desk drawer, which is partially obscured from view, Trump and Melania are pictured with Epstein’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.
That image has already been in the public domain.
Another image of Trump, Melania and Epstein was also taken on Epstein’s desk.
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie: 'Release grossly fails to comply' with the law
00:29 , Eric GarciaRep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) the leading Republican who authored legislation on releasing the Epstein files, slammed today’s document dump.
Massie quote-tweeted his partner on the legislation, Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California, criticizing the partial release.
Unfortunately, today’s document release by @AGPamBondi and @DAGToddBlanche grossly fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law that @realDonaldTrump signed just 30 days ago. @RepRoKhanna is correct. https://t.co/gZQyQBUT4R
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 19, 2025
Epstein Survivor: 'It's exposing us all over again' - continued post
00:05 , Eric GarciaPost continues...
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump said he would release files related to Epstein, who died in police custody in 2019 when Trump was first president.
“And so I knew going into this and just how Trump likes to play his little tactics. I knew with all the obstacles we've already rendered and the administration's flip-flop, I already knew that we were not going to see the files as we should be getting them,” she said.Robson and a number of survivors of Epstein's abuse came to Capitol Hill in September and then again in November to lobby for the passage.
The House eventually passed the discharge petition forcing the Department of Justice to release the files.
Many of the critics of the law said that releasing the files would put victims' identity at risk.
“My name has never been redacted, I was never protected, and I met Jeffrey when I was 16," she said. “That's when I encountered him, and it was abused by him, and I was in his orbit for two years.”
Robson criticized how names were redacted but other salacious details were released in the files.
“I mean, you're releasing salacious photos of sex toys, but you're redacting information,”she said. “It's exposing us all over again, or exposing the girls that aren't redacted all over again. And it just it makes me feel like you are showcasing the world exactly why we never wanted to come out in the first place.”
In addition, Robson said Congress needs to take action.
“We need to find out how we're going to handle that and what consequences are going to fit for that crime, because he is committing a crime now,” she said.
Robson said Congress needed to go after Epstein's estate for files that are not in the custody of the Department of Justice because some girls were trafficked through other ways such as car services.
“So all of this, when you follow the money, you're following the system in which he was able to keep the trafficking abroad, and how he financially was able to back it,” she said.
“And that's the important thing, is who he paid and who paid him in large amounts.”
Robson also said that she wanted to file a lawsuit since she said the administration and the Department of Justice led by Pam Bondi had not complied with the legislation.
“I told my attorneys that there has to be consequences on every level. It can't just be consequences on the men who trafficked and abused us. It has to be consequences to the system, which the system is, what you're seeing now, and how they're basically pivoting and dragging their feet,” Robson said, adding that Trump is now breaking the law.
“The only other thing you can do to hurt these people is unfortunately, come after their pockets, because that's all they care about,” she said.
“We need to start getting these corporations banks, and we need to bankrupt everybody who's trying to stop us. Yeah, that's how we're going to tear down the system is removing the financial means for them to get away with this.”
Post 2/2
Epstein Survivor: 'It's exposing us all over again'
Friday 19 December 2025 23:55 , Eric GarciaHaley Robson, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein, wanted to be in Washington, D.C. for the day that the files related to the man who abused her would be released.
But the death of her father and his funeral meant she could not do so. The Independent spoke to Robson about the release of the files.
Robson was one of the women who came to Washington to lobby for the release of the files.
“I try not to get too emotional or upset, because we've been held literally to every standard,” she said.
“The victims and survivors have had to go through immense obstacles over 30 years, trying to be heard, trying to be seen, trying to bring awareness, trying to get accountability.”
Robson voted for President Donald Trump, though said she now regrets it.
“This is not the first administration we've tried,” she said. “It's just the person in office was the one to, you know, campaign on releasing them.”
Post 1/2...
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie: 'Release grossly fails to comply' with the law
Friday 19 December 2025 23:52 , Eric GarciaRep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) the leading Republican who authored legislation on releasing the Epstein files, slammed today’s document dump.
Massie quote-tweeted his partner on the legislation, Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California, criticizing the partial release.
Unfortunately, today’s document release by @AGPamBondi and @DAGToddBlanche grossly fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law that @realDonaldTrump signed just 30 days ago. @RepRoKhanna is correct. https://t.co/gZQyQBUT4R
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 19, 2025
NEW: Bill Clinton's deputy chief of staff reacts to Epstein files photos
Friday 19 December 2025 23:40 , Rhian LubinAngel Urena, former President Bill Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, has reacted to the photographs in the latest tranche of Epstein files.
Urena accused the White House of “shielding themselves from what comes next.”
— Angel Ureña (@angelurena) December 19, 2025
Mick Jagger and Richard Branson among high-profile figures featured in latest Epstein files release
Friday 19 December 2025 23:32 , Tara CobhamMick Jagger and Richard Branson are among the high-profile figures who have featured in the latest release of thousands of documents in the Jeffrey Epstein case. Lord Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the U.S., is also pictured in the tranche of material.
Being photographed with Epstein or in the files does not implicate a person in the late convicted pedophile’s crimes.
There is also a photo of Ghislaine Maxwell – who is currently serving 20 years in prison for her role in a decade-long scheme to sexually exploit and abuse minor girls with Epstein – posing on the steps of 10 Downing Street.
The partially redacted shot of Branson shows the British businessman with his arm around Epstein as they smile for the camera, with what appears to be two unknown women standing in the background.
There are multiple photos of Mick Jagger sat next to Maxwell and former U.S. president Bill Clinton.
The trio are captured among a group eating and drinking wine around a table. Maxwell appears to be leaning into Jagger in one shot, and looking at him in another. In the third, Jagger and Clinton smile and pose together.
Lord Mandelson, meanwhile, is pictured drinking wine at a table with Epstein, as the disgraced financier blows out candles on a giant square cake that is being held out for him.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured with Ghislaine Maxwell in latest Epstein files
Friday 19 December 2025 23:19 , Tara CobhamAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been pictured alongside Ghislaine Maxwell in the latest Epstein files release.
The former prince – whose royal titles were stripped from him by his brother King Charles last month over his links with Jeffrey Epstein – is among many high-profile figures who feature in the thousands of new documents that have just been released by the Department of Justice.
In the photo, the ex-Duke of York, dressed in a suit, is seen smiling and laid out along the laps of five people whose identities have been redacted.
Behind him, Maxwell – who is currently serving 20 years in prison for her role in a decade-long scheme to sexually exploit and abuse minor girls with Epstein – appears to smile down at Andrew and the group.
She is standing next to another person whose identity has been shielded. Andrew, who has faced much scrutiny over his past friendship with Epstein, has repeatedly denied all wrongdoing in relation to the disgraced financier.
In a previously issued statement, he said: “At no stage during the limited time I spent with him did I see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction.”
Being featured in the Epstein files does not mean there are any suggestions of wrongdoing.
Ex-Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson features in multiple photos in newly released Epstein files
Friday 19 December 2025 23:05 , Tara CobhamSarah Ferguson features in multiple photos in the newly released files in the Jeffrey Epstein case.
In one shot, the former Duchess of York is seen sitting on a sofa next to a woman whose identity has been redacted.
In another image, she appears smiling at the camera on a street, again with a woman whose identity has been shielded.
Being featured in the Epstein files does not mean there is any suggestion of wrongdoing.
MAGA pounces on Bill Clinton photos in Epstein files release
Friday 19 December 2025 22:55 , Rachel DobkinAfter the Justice Department released thousands of documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, members of President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again base quickly highlighted one prominent Democrat in the files — former President Bill Clinton.
Per the Epstein Files Transparency Act, DOJ was specifically instructed only to redact the faces of victims and/or minors.
— Abigail Jackson (@ATJackson47) December 19, 2025
Here is a picture of Bill Clinton, Ghislaine Maxwell, and a redacted individual. pic.twitter.com/pPa1HWCJUG
🚨 BREAKING: New photo of Bill Clinton swimming with Ghislaine Maxwell and a potential victim and/or minor
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 19, 2025
Per the Epstein Files Transparency Act, DOJ was specifically instructed only to redact the faces of victims and/or minors
This is pretty damning for Bill Clinton. pic.twitter.com/ShXkEv0Bfm
Bill Clinton in Jeffrey Epstein’s pool.
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 19, 2025
Looking forward to the media obsessively talking about how @BillClinton was nearly naked in a pool with Epstein & Ghislaine Maxwell.
But, we all know they won’t show these photos on TV or even mention them.
They just want to “Get Trump”. pic.twitter.com/F0Qk28UrKn
Angel Urena, a spokesperson for Bill Clinton, said shortly after Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019: “President Clinton knows nothing about the terrible crimes Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty to in Florida some time ago, or those with which he has been recently charged in New York.”
Urena confirmed that Clinton took four trips on Epstein’s plane in the early 2000s, “which included stops in connection with the work of the Clinton Foundation” and said the former president had “not spoken to Epstein in well over a decade.”
Ro Khanna: 'They have not been transparent'
Friday 19 December 2025 22:45 , Rhian LubinDemocratic Rep. Ro Khanna, among House Democrats who pushed for the release of the full files, said the Trump administration has “not been transparent.”
Watch Khanna’s reaction in the clip below...
Schumer slams the partial release of Epstein documents
Friday 19 December 2025 22:32 , Eric GarciaSenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the Department of Justice for only partially releasing files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The New York Democrat had pushed for the Senate to pass the bill by unanimous consent once it came from the House of Representatives last month.
“The law Congress passed calls for the complete release of the Epstein files so that there can be full transparency,” Schumer said in a statement.
“This set of heavily redacted documents released by the Department of Justice today is just a fraction of the whole body of evidence.”
Schumer specifically criticized how 119 pages of one document were blacked out by the Department of Justice.
“Senate Democrats are working to assess the documents that have been released to determine what actions must be taken to hold the Trump administration accountable. We will pursue every option to make sure the truth comes out.”
DOJ says it expects additional files to drop by end of the year
Friday 19 December 2025 22:22 , Rhian LubinThe Department of Justice has acknowledged that today’s document release is incomplete and more files are expected to drop by the end of the year.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche informed Congress that “the volume of materials to be reviewed” would lead to the release of more documents.
He said that the department “will inform Congress when that review and production are complete by the end of this year.”
No context offered with documents and photographs
Friday 19 December 2025 22:14 , Rhian LubinThe document dump by the Department of Justice consists of thousands of photographs and redacted files in the Jeffrey Epstein case, but no context.
In the enormous data sets, which are split into four batches, the files include photos from various trips Epstein took with associates, images inside his properties, and copies of largely redacted documents from inquiries.
Both parties bash Trump for ‘moving the goalpost’ and initially releasing only some Epstein files by deadline
Friday 19 December 2025 22:07 , Rhian LubinRepublicans and Democrats have bashed President Donald Trump for “moving the goalpost” and only initially releasing some of the government documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein by the set deadline.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News earlier Friday that it would take a “couple of weeks” to release everything the Justice Department must produce. Federal law states all the files must be released by Friday.
“I expect that we’re going to release several hundred thousand documents today, and those documents will come in all different forms — photographs and other materials associated with all of the investigations into, into Mr. Epstein,” Blanche said.
Rachel Dobkin has more.
Both parties bash Trump for initially releasing only some Epstein files by deadline
Bill Clinton appears in multiple photos in Epstein files
Friday 19 December 2025 21:43 , Ariana BaioFormer President Bill Clinton appears in several photos released by the Justice Department Friday.
Clinton was friends with Epstein at one point but the former president has said he had no involvement with Epstein’s crimes.
Being photographed with Epstein, or appearing in the Epstein files does not mean they participated in Epstein’s crimes or knew of them.
Photos released show Epstein's home
Friday 19 December 2025 21:39 , Ariana Baio
Redacted photos contain explicit images of women
Friday 19 December 2025 21:33 , Ariana BaioRedacted images in the trove of the government’s collection appear to be photographs of women posing without clothes on – either with other people or alone.
Some of the images show nude, or nearly nude women, performing massages.
During Maxwell’s federal child sex trafficking trial, prosecutors said Epstein took young women to his private island for vacations, where he would force them to give him massages.
Redacted evidence photos show Epstein posing with women
Friday 19 December 2025 21:30 , Ariana BaioParts of the released documents include photos the government seized during its investigation that show Jeffrey Epstein posing with what appear to be young women around his property.
The women’s faces are redacted.
A person being photographed with Epstein does not mean they were involved with or knew of Epstein’s crimes.
Photo shows former President Bill Clinton painted wearing a dress
Friday 19 December 2025 21:24 , Ariana Baio
Video of Epstein's jail cell included
Friday 19 December 2025 21:23 , Ariana BaioSome of the documents are multimedia pieces the public has seen before - such as the video of Epstein’s jail cell that was released by the DoJ earlier this year.
The Justice Department also released transcripts of its interview with Ghislaine Maxwell earlier this year – something that is also already publicly available.
Files contain redacted photos and documents
Friday 19 December 2025 21:19 , Ariana BaioThe giant trove of documents released contains a vast number of redacted documents and photos that were collected to be used during Epstein’s trial and used in Maxwell’s trial.
Datasets posted online contain pages and pages of scanned documents that are heavily redacted, including flight logs, and interview transcripts.
What is the DoJ allowed to redact from documents?
Friday 19 December 2025 21:10 , Ariana Baio, Alex WoodwardThe Epstein Files Transparency Act directed the Justice Department to release everything it has — which could include recently unsealed grand jury documents and previously unreleased interviews — unless they “jeopardize an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution, provided that such withholding is narrowly tailored and temporary.”
The measure also requires the release of documents related to Epstein’s death behind bars.
Attorney General Pam Bondi can redact or withhold documents that include “personally identifiable information” or medical files relating to victims, as well as any content that depicts child sexual abuse, according to the legislation.
Breaking: Trump’s Justice Department drops Epstein files on deadline day
Friday 19 December 2025 21:10 , Alex WoodwardThousands of documents from investigations into Jeffrey Epstein have finally been released by Donald Trump’s administration after months of public pressure.
Read more here:
Trump’s Justice Department drops Epstein files on deadline day
Justice Department breaks documents into four categories
Friday 19 December 2025 21:08 , Ariana BaioOn the Justice Department’s new special section for the Epstein files, it appears they’ve broken documents into four categories:
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
DisclosuresFreedom of Information Act (FOIA)
DOJ Disclosures, Including Disclosures Under the Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405)
Court Records
Justice Department begins releasing files
Friday 19 December 2025 21:02 , Ariana BaioThe Justice Department began releasing documents in the Epstein Files via a searchable website.
Epstein Files Transparency Act does not allow DoJ to redact names of government officials
Friday 19 December 2025 20:57 , Ariana BaioAlthough Bondi is permitted to redact sensitive information in the Epstein files, it explicitly states that individuals, including government officials, cannot be withheld.
“No record shall be withheld, delayed, or redacted on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary,” the act states.
Trump refuses to take questions about Epstein files after announcement
Friday 19 December 2025 20:45 , Ariana BaioPresident Donald Trump refused to answer any questions about the forthcoming Epstein files after ending a press conference Friday afternoon
Unclear when DoJ will release files - or how
Friday 19 December 2025 20:26 , Ariana BaioDepartment of Justice officials confirmed they would release “several hundred thousand” pages of documents in the Epstein files, but it is unclear when or how they will be released.
The department has not issued guidance regarding how the public can find the Epstein files online – the Epstein Files Transparency Act does require the documents to be “searchable.”
Reports claimed the department was set to release the files at 3 p.m. ET, but there was no sight of them immediately.
Frustration in Justice Department as it races to make redactions: report
Friday 19 December 2025 20:04 , Ariana BaioJustice Department staff who are tasked with redacting information in the Epstein files are reportedly growing frustrated with a lack of direction under the tight deadline, sources told CNN.
A significant number of redactions are necessary to protect the identity of survivors, national security interests and ongoing litigation.
Each attorney is spending time making time-consuming redactions among thousands of pages.
But lawyers are reportedly unsure if they have the proper understanding of how to make the most information available while conducting redactions, sources told CNN.
Newsom's office speculates Trump, Bondi and Kash are 'hiding' something
Friday 19 December 2025 19:40 , Ariana BaioGovernor Gavin Newsom’s office speculated Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel are “hiding” something, after the Justice Department said it would not release them all Friday.
“WHAT ARE TRUMP, BONDI, AND KASH HIDING!!” Newsom’s office wrote.
“RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES”
WHAT ARE TRUMP, BONDI, AND KASH HIDING!!
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) December 19, 2025
RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES https://t.co/eEI1qAYpfc
DoJ rejects criticisms, says they are meeting dealing while protecting victims
Friday 19 December 2025 19:33 , Ariana BaioA spokesperson for the Department of Justice Public Affairs rejected claims that the department was not meeting the congressionally imposed deadline to release the Epstein files, claiming it is being done while protecting victims.
“Ridiculous framing,” the spokesperson wrote on X in response to a Politico article.
“The DOJ is releasing a massive tranche of new documents that the Biden and Obama administrations refused to release,” it added.
“The story here: the Trump administration is providing levels of transparency that prior administrations never even contemplated. The initial deadline is being met as we work diligently to protect victims,” the spokesperson added.
Epstein was federally indicted in 2019 while Trump was president.
The government investigated Epstein in 2006, but prosecutors handed Epstein a sweetheart deal. Obama became president in 2008, but Epstein was facing several civil lawsuits at the time.
Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, also faced a federal trial in 2021 for child sex trafficking – meaning much of the documents likely could not be released until her trial and the appeals process were over.
Republicans on House Oversight Committee blast Dems for 'cherry-picking' and say Trump is cleared of wrongdoing
Friday 19 December 2025 19:25 , Alex WoodwardRepublicans on the GOP-led House Oversight Committee blasted their Democratic colleagues Friday ahead of the DOJ’s release of investigative materials in its possession.
Republicans accused Democrats of repeatedly “cherry-picking” edited photos from Epstein’s estate “to try to score political points and create a hoax against President Trump.”
“They chase headlines at the expense of victims. They can NEVER be trusted to run serious investigations,” the group wrote.
In another post, the committee accused top Democrat Robert Garcia of failing to acknowledge that there is “NO evidence” against Trump.
“The smokescreen has been lifted, no one believes your lies,” they wrote.
Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing, but Democratic lawmakers have demanded a full public accounting to determine his connections to Epstein and an alleged wider network of powerful pedophiles.
🚨@RobertGarcia and Oversight Democrats cherry-picked Epstein Estate records and searched for a single word: “Trump.”
— Rep. James Comer (@RepJamesComer) December 19, 2025
All while claiming to be seeking justice for Epstein’s survivors.
This was never about the survivors for Democrats. They’re using them to achieve their agenda. pic.twitter.com/kZbtd8qoyg
Will Ghislaine Maxwell's latest appeal complicate the Epstein files' release?
Friday 19 December 2025 19:10 , Alex WoodwardGhislaine Maxwell asked a federal court in New York this week to set aside her sex trafficking conviction.
Maxwell — who filed the petition from prison while she serves a 20-year sentence for her role in a decade-long scheme to sexually exploit and abuse minor girls with Epstein — claims “substantial new evidence has emerged” that shows she did not receive a fair trial.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act does allow the DOJ to withhold documents that could jeopardize an active federal investigation.
A federal judge has already ordered that grand jury materials in her case be unsealed, but if the judge considers her motion, Maxwell’s long-shot request could complicate the release of those documents.
Watch: Trump speaks from the White House as DOJ prepares to release Epstein files
Friday 19 December 2025 18:50 , Alex WoodwardInside the Epstein files: All the documents already public ahead of government deadline
Friday 19 December 2025 18:40 , Alex WoodwardThousands of documents in Epstein’s cases, and the probe against his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, have already been made public by government officials, law enforcement and federal courts.
The Department of Justice is expected to release “hundreds of thousands” more Friday. A person’s inclusion in documents or photographs does not indicate wrongdoing.
Here is what we know so far.
House Republican demands full release of Epstein files
Friday 19 December 2025 18:30 , Alex WoodwardRep. Thomas Massie, among House Republicans who have pushed for the release of the Epstein files, posted a copy of the law compelling their release — and highlighted text saying that “all” materials must be released within 30 days of its passage.
“Release the files,” he wrote Friday morning.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 19, 2025
Schumer says Senate is working to determine what documents are being held
Friday 19 December 2025 18:20 , Ariana BaioSenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Friday afternoon Senate Democrats were working with lawyers and attorneys for Epstein’s victims to determine which documents were being held back.
“This just shows the Department of Justice, Donald Trump, and Pam Bondi are hellbent on hiding the truth,” Schumer said.
“Senate Democrats are working closely with attorneys for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and with outside legal experts to assess what documents are being withheld and what is being covered up by Pam Bondi,”
Schumer accused the administration of engaging in a “cover up.”
NY Times columnist who wrote ‘count me out’ Epstein story last month featured in latest Epstein photo dump
Friday 19 December 2025 18:00 , Justin BaragonaNew York Times columnist David Brooks was featured in the latest tranche of photographs from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate – one month after Brooks wrote a column dismissing the obsession over the Epstein files.
In a series of photographs from an event with the deceased sexual predator, which were made public Thursday, Brooks could be seen smiling directly at the camera while having drinks and eating dinner with other guests.
Read more here:
NY Times columnist behind ‘count me out’ Epstein story featured in latest photo dump
Senate Democrat says DoJ is in ‘violation of the law’
Friday 19 December 2025 17:30 , Ariana BaioSenator Ron Wyden, the ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee, scolded the Department of Justice for not preparing to release the full contents of the Epstein files Friday, accusing them of violating the law passed last month.
“It is an insult to the intelligence of the American people when a lawyer for Donald Trump, Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime wingman, claims the administration is blowing off this deadline out of concern for the privacy of Epstein’s victims,” Wyden said of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s announcement Friday morning.
Wyden said the administration had “plenty of time” to make necessary redactions because they began going through the files after the inauguration in January.
“The law Congress passed did not say ‘release some of the Epstein files’ or ‘release the files whenever it’s convenient for Donald Trump.’ Anything short of a full release today is a violation of the law and a continuation of this administration’s coverup on behalf of a bunch of pedophiles and sex traffickers,” Wyden added.
Wyden is also in the process of trying to compel the Treasury Department to turn over documents to Senate investigators who have been digging into Epstein’s financial network for several years.
House Oversight Democrats are 'examining all legal options'
Friday 19 December 2025 17:23 , Ariana BaioDemocrats on the House Oversight Committee said Friday afternoon they are exploring legal options that would hold the Trump administration accountable for refusing to release the full volume of Epstein files in its possession at the mandated deadline.
"Donald Trump and the Department of Justice are now violating federal law as they continue covering up the facts and evidence about Jeffrey Epstein's decades-long, billion-dollar, international sex trafficking ring,” ranking members Rep. Robert Garcia and Jamie Raskin wrote in a statement.
Joint statement by Ranking Members Robert Garcia and Jamie Raskin on Trump Administration decision to defy Epstein Files Transparency Act. pic.twitter.com/s9y9UOTNuu
— Oversight Dems (@OversightDems) December 19, 2025
Rep. Ro Khanna calls on DoJ to offer 'clear timeline' for full release
Friday 19 December 2025 16:42 , Ariana BaioRep. Ro Khanna, the sponsor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act said the Justice Department had to offer “a clear timeline for the full release “ of the files Friday.
Khanna’s comment was in response to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche revealing the department would not reveal all files in its possession in one day.
What does the Epstein Files Transparency Act say about the deadline?
Friday 19 December 2025 16:21 , Ariana BaioThe Department of Justice does not plan to release all materials related to the government’s investigation into Epstein in its possession Friday, raising questions about whether it violates the Epstein Files Transparency Act mandate.
The act states, “Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this act,” the attorney general must make “all unclassified records, documents, communications and investigative materials” in the DoJ’s possession “publicly available in a searchable and downloadable format.
Understanding Trump and Epstein's relationship
Friday 19 December 2025 16:00 , Alex WoodwardEpstein met Trump in the 1980s, around the time the president bought his Mar-a-Lago estate in 1985, when Epstein was also living in Palm Beach. Over at least two decades, a period that White House chief of staff Susie Wiles recently described as the men living as “young, single playboys,” the pair bonded over their sexual exploits and spoke several times a week throughout the 1990s before an apparent falling out in the 2000s.
In 2002, several years before Epstein was under investigation in Florida, Trump told New York magazine that he had known Epstein for 15 years, calling him a “terrific guy.”
But by the time Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell were indicted in separate federal sex trafficking cases, Trump had long distanced himself from his one-time friend.
“Well, I knew him like everybody in Palm Beach knew him,” Trump said on July 9, 2019, one day after Epstein’s arrest. “I mean, people in Palm Beach knew him. He was a fixture in Palm Beach. I had a falling out with him a long time ago. I don’t think I’ve spoken to him for 15 years. I wasn’t a fan.”
Trump has maintained he cut his friendship with Epstein in the early 2000s after he discovered the financier “stole” staff from Mar-a-Lago. The president has said he knew nothing of Epstein’s crimes and has denounced Epstein’s criminal activities.
Not all documents will be released today, deputy attorney general says
Friday 19 December 2025 15:35 , Ariana BaioBlanche indicated that not all materials in the Epstein files will be produced Friday and more documents will become publicly available in the coming weeks.
“I expect we’re going to release more documents over the next couple of weeks,” Blanche told Fox News Friday morning.
“So today, several hundred thousand, over the next couple of weeks, I expect several hundred thousand more.”
Blanche did not clarify whether the materials released Friday would be new. Earlier this year, the Justice Department released “Phase 1” of the Epstein files, which turned out to be mostly known information.
Blanche said more materials will come later because the Justice Department must take the time to redact information related to survivors.
