The U.S. Justice Department has made public a significant number of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier and convicted sex offender. This release, the largest to date, follows extensive public demands for transparency regarding government investigations into Epstein.
While the documents contain numerous references to former President Donald Trump, most are from news clippings. However, an email from a federal prosecutor highlights that Trump flew on Epstein's private jet more frequently than previously known during the 1990s.
The two men were friends for years before their relationship soured. Trump has not been accused of any misconduct related to Epstein. In a statement, the Justice Department noted that some documents include "untrue and sensationalist claims" about Trump made before the 2020 election and identified one purported letter from Epstein to convicted sports doctor Larry Nassar as fake.
Trump's Flights on Epstein's Jet Detailed
A federal prosecutor's email from January 2020 indicates that flight records show Trump was on Epstein's jet "many more times than previously has been reported." The prosecutor noted they flagged this to avoid surprises later.
Trump's travels on the plane occurred during a period relevant to charges against Epstein's associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Records list Trump as a passenger on at least eight flights between 1993 and 1996, with Maxwell present on at least four. On one 1993 flight, only Trump and Epstein were listed as passengers.
Additional Trump trips on Epstein's plane had been disclosed earlier during Maxwell's criminal case.
Trump Criticizes File Release as Distraction
Trump has dismissed the Epstein files as a diversion from Republican efforts. Speaking at Mar-a-Lago, he blamed Democrats and some Republicans for the controversy, stating, "What this whole thing is with Epstein is a way of trying to deflect from the tremendous success that the Republican Party has."
He also expressed concern about photos of people with Epstein, noting that respected individuals might have innocently met him years ago.
Other Notable Figures in the Files
The documents also mention other high-profile individuals, including former President Bill Clinton, the late Michael Jackson, and singer Diana Ross. Their inclusion does not imply wrongdoing.
Additionally, files related to the U.K.'s former Prince Andrew have resurfaced. An August 2001 email from someone using the initial "A" references being at "Balmoral Summer Camp for the Royal Family" and asks, "How's LA? Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?"
Andrew, who has denied any crimes, was stripped of his royal titles in October amid ongoing scrutiny of his Epstein connections. U.S. prosecutors attempted but failed to secure his testimony due to legal and diplomatic hurdles.
Massive Document Release Process
Trump initially resisted releasing the records but eventually signed legislation mandating disclosure. The latest release includes nearly 30,000 pages, featuring news clippings, law enforcement tips, and surveillance footage from Epstein's jail.
The Justice Department is releasing files in stages to protect victims, though some Epstein survivors advocate for more transparency. Critics argue that key details remain undisclosed, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer noting the files leave "more questions than answers."
