Financial records indicate Epstein was the top contributor of Hasty Pudding Theatricals, one of Harvard’s oldest and elite student societies known for theatrical productions and influential alumni. 

'Hello girls..!' Emails expose how Epstein funded a Harvard group years after his sex conviction & hosted ‘Table of 10’ events

Questions are mounting in Washington after lawmakers accused the Trump administration of tracking their research into the Jeffrey Epstein files, raising concerns about whether the Justice Department is overstepping its authority and shielding sensitive information. The controversy erupted after photographs from the Wednesday (Feb 11) congressional hearing showed US Attorney General Pam Bondi holding a document labelled "Jayapal Pramila Search History," which appeared to list files accessed by Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal during her review of unredacted Epstein records provided to lawmakers.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/epstein-hearing-turns-tense-as-pam-bondi-refuses-to-apologise-to-survivors-says-she-won-t-get-in-the-gutter-1770873842476">Bondi equates apologising to Epstein survivors with 'getting in gutter'. Watch!</a><h2>Is the DoJ protecting someone?</h2>Access to the previously undisclosed Epstein materials was granted to members of Congress earlier this week under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. But several lawmakers now say the review process itself may have been designed to track their activity. Jayapal, whose review history Trump's Attorney General Pam Bondi was seen with at the congressional hearing, slammed the DoJ, saying that the discovery confirmed her concerns. In a social media post, she wrote that Bondi appeared with a “burn book” containing a “printed search history of exactly what emails I searched”. Calling the practice inappropriate and a violation of the separation of powers between Congress and the executive branch, she added, “That is outrageous, and I intend to pursue this and stop this spying on members.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It is totally inappropriate and against the separations of powers for the DOJ to surveil us as we search the Epstein files. Bondi showed up today with a burn book that held a printed search history of exactly what emails I searched. That is outrageous and I intend to pursue this… <a href="https://t.co/nyZjmHoGUq">https://t.co/nyZjmHoGUq</a>&mdash; Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJayapal/status/2021725059245609079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pam-bondi-lied-under-oath-to-protect-potus-democrats-tell-ag-to-resign-amid-trump-epstein-links-watch-video-1770863293332">Pam Bondi accused of 'lying under oath': Is she trying to protect Trump? Video</a><h2>Justice Department defends logging practice</h2>Talking to The Guardian, the Justice Department acknowledged that it logs searches conducted by lawmakers reviewing the Epstein files. In a statement, a spokesperson said the tracking is intended to prevent the disclosure of victims’ identities and other sensitive information. "As part of that review, DoJ logs all searches made on its systems to protect against the release of victim information."Still, criticism has come from both sides of the political aisle. Republican Representative Nancy Mace described the monitoring as "creepy," while Democratic Representative Suhas Subramanyam said the confirmation explained earlier suspicions that lawmakers’ file access was being recorded.House Speaker Mike Johnson said such monitoring would be “inappropriate” if confirmed, though he initially said he had not reviewed the reports of the surveillance in detail.

Why was the US Attorney General Pam Bondi holding a document labelled with a lawmaker’s Epstein Files search history? Is the Justice Department tracking lawmakers?. Scroll down to read more.

Questions are mounting in Washington after lawmakers accused the Trump administration of tracking their research into the Jeffrey Epstein files, raising concerns about whether the Justice Department is overstepping its authority and shielding sensitive information. The controversy erupted after photographs from the Wednesday (Feb 11) congressional hearing showed US Attorney General Pam Bondi holding a document labelled "Jayapal Pramila Search History," which appeared to list files accessed by Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal during her review of unredacted Epstein records provided to lawmakers. Also read | Bondi equates apologising to Epstein survivors with 'getting in gutter'. Watch! Is the DoJ protecting someone? Access to the previously undisclosed Epstein materials was granted to members of Congress earlier this week under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. But several lawmakers now say the review process itself may have been designed to track their activity. Jayapal, whose review history Trump's Attorney General Pam Bondi was seen with at the congressional hearing, slammed the DoJ, saying that the discovery confirmed her concerns. In a social media post, she wrote that Bondi appeared with a “burn book” containing a “printed search history of exactly what emails I searched”. Calling the practice inappropriate and a violation of the separation of powers between Congress and the executive branch, she added, “That is outrageous, and I intend to pursue this and stop this spying on members.”

Why was the US Attorney General Pam Bondi holding a document labelled with a lawmaker’s Epstein Files search history? Is the Justice Department tracking lawmakers?. Scroll down to read more.

Trump admin tracking lawmakers’ Epstein files research, Bondi seen with 'Jayapal search history' document: Is the DoJ protecting someone?

Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sex crimes allege that their abusers still remain shielded and protected after the Department of Justice released a new cache of documents on Friday (Jan 30). The release, containing millions of new pages from files in connection with the convicted sex offender, featured prominent mentions of current US President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton.&nbsp;US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said that the White House has no influence on the Department of Justice's review of the files on Epstein, a former friend of US President Trump.&nbsp;“They did not tell this department how to do our review, what to look for, what to redact, what not redact,” Blanche said in a press conference. More than three million documents released on Friday feature numerous powerful individuals, including 79-year old Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Bill Gates and Andrew Mountabtion.&nbsp;Regarding Trump, the Justice Department said that the document contained some "untrue and sensational claims about the US president, which were submitted to the FBI before the 2020 presidential election.&nbsp;Blanche, who also served as personal lawyer to Trump, refused the allegation that incriminating and embarrassing material about the US president had been redacted from the newly released files, which included at least 180,000 images and videos.&nbsp;“We did not protect President Trump,” he said.<h2>Who’s featured in the new release</h2>Donald Trump: The files contain hundreds of references to the current President, including an FBI-compiled spreadsheet of allegations submitted via public tip lines before the 2020 election. However, the DOJ has explicitly labelled many of these as "unfounded, false, and sensationalist," emphasising that they were unverified claims from the public.&nbsp;Bill Gates: The release includes a draft email from Epstein’s account alleging the Microsoft co-founder engaged in extramarital affairs and claiming Epstein "facilitated trysts" for him. A spokesperson for Gates has dismissed these claims as "absolutely absurd" and the work of a "disgruntled liar."&nbsp;Elon Musk: Correspondence from 2012 shows the Tesla CEO inquiring about the "wildest party" on Epstein's private island. Musk has since clarified on X that he never visited the island and that the emails are being misinterpreted by "detractors" to smear him.&nbsp;Kevin Warsh: The nomination of Trump’s pick for Federal Reserve Chair has come under fire after the files revealed his name on several guest lists for dinners and parties organised by Epstein, though no allegations of wrongdoing were attached.&nbsp;Prince Andrew: New records document the former prince inviting Epstein to Buckingham Palace in 2010 for "lots of privacy" and further details regarding the DOJ's previous attempts to interview him for their sex-trafficking probe.&nbsp;Howard Lutnick: The US Commerce Secretary appears in emails from 2012, where his wife coordinated a lunch meeting on Epstein’s island. Lutnick’s team maintains he had "limited interactions" and was never involved in any illegal activity.&nbsp;Steve Tisch: The New York Giants co-owner is mentioned in 2013 emails in which Epstein offered to connect him with various women, describing one as "Russian... but fun." Tisch has not commented on the release.<h2>What survivors said</h2>A statement from survivors of Epstein's alleged abuses claimed that the US government withheld the identifying information about the perpetrators to protect them: "the men abused us remain hidden and protected."&nbsp;In a letter signed by 15 people using aliases or intial sought "the full release of the Epstein files" and asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to directly address the matter when she testifies before Congress.

A statement from survivors of Epstein's alleged abuses claimed that the US government withheld the identifying information about the perpetrators to protect them: "the men abused us remain hidden and protected."

Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sex crimes allege that their abusers still remain shielded and protected after the Department of Justice released a new cache of documents on Friday (Jan 30). The release, containing millions of new pages from files in connection with the convicted sex offender, featured prominent mentions of current US President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton. US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said that the White House has no influence on the Department of Justice's review of the files on Epstein, a former friend of US President Trump. “They did not tell this department how to do our review, what to look for, what to redact, what not redact,” Blanche said in a press conference. More than three million documents released on Friday feature numerous powerful individuals, including 79-year old Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Bill Gates and Andrew Mountabtion. Regarding Trump, the Justice Department said that the document contained some "untrue and sensational claims about the US president, which were submitted to the FBI before the 2020 presidential election. Blanche, who also served as personal lawyer to Trump, refused the allegation that incriminating and embarrassing material about the US president had been redacted from the newly released files, which included at least 180,000 images and videos. “We did not protect President Trump,” he said. Who’s featured in the new release Donald Trump: The files contain hundreds of references to the current President, including an FBI-compiled spreadsheet of allegations submitted via public tip lines before the 2020 election. However, the DOJ has explicitly labelled many of these as "unfounded, false, and sensationalist," emphasising that they were unverified claims from the public. Bill Gates: The release includes a draft email from Epstein’s account alleging the Microsoft co-founder engaged in extramarital affairs and claiming Epstein "facilitated trysts" for him. A spokesperson for Gates has dismissed these claims as "absolutely absurd" and the work of a "disgruntled liar." Elon Musk: Correspondence from 2012 shows the Tesla CEO inquiring about the "wildest party" on Epstein's private island. Musk has since clarified on X that he never visited the island and that the emails are being misinterpreted by "detractors" to smear him. Kevin Warsh: The nomination of Trump’s pick for Federal Reserve Chair has come under fire after the files revealed his name on several guest lists for dinners and parties organised by Epstein, though no allegations of wrongdoing were attached. Prince Andrew: New records document the former prince inviting Epstein to Buckingham Palace in 2010 for "lots of privacy" and further details regarding the DOJ's previous attempts to interview him for their sex-trafficking probe. Howard Lutnick: The US Commerce Secretary appears in emails from 2012, where his wife coordinated a lunch meeting on Epstein’s island. Lutnick’s team maintains he had "limited interactions" and was never involved in any illegal activity. Steve Tisch: The New York Giants co-owner is mentioned in 2013 emails in which Epstein offered to connect him with various women, describing one as "Russian... but fun." Tisch has not commented on the release. What survivors said A statement from survivors of Epstein's alleged abuses claimed that the US government withheld the identifying information about the perpetrators to protect them: "the men abused us remain hidden and protected." In a letter signed by 15 people using aliases or intial sought "the full release of the Epstein files" and asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to directly address the matter when she testifies before Congress.

A statement from survivors of Epstein's alleged abuses claimed that the US government withheld the identifying information about the perpetrators to protect them: "the men abused us remain hidden and protected."

Epstein Files: Survivors allege key abusers still shielded after latest release

Donald Trump has landed in hot soup as a newly released batch of documents from the US Justice Department highlights allegations that the US President raped a 13-year-old girl. The fresh cache of Epstein files released on Friday (Jan 30) has reignited controversy around President Donald Trump and his past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, more so thanks to explosive claims of rape and even a murder the POTUS was an accessory to. The sensational claims briefly disappeared from the DOJ website after being released, a disappearance which didn't go unnoticed. The damning claims reappeared hours later, with the DOJ saying that the shocking allegations against the POTUS were "down due to overload and is back online.” Here's all you need to know.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/house-democrats-drop-epstein-photos-from-disturbing-paedophilic-lolita-quotes-on-bosoms-to-price-tag-for-girls-shocking-pics-reveal-bill-gates-1766131614452">Epstein files: Disturbing paedophilic quotes on bosoms to price tags for girls, here's what shocking new pics reveal</a><h2>Trump raped a 13-year-old?</h2>Among the files is an explosive allegation of rape involving a 13-year-old girl, recorded in an FBI tip sheet from August last year. The claim is part of a large database of unverified reports submitted to the FBI by members of the public. The material comes from an FBI spreadsheet linked to an investigation into the Alexander brothers, wealthy Florida siblings currently facing sex trafficking charges. The spreadsheet catalogues tips received by the bureau, along with brief notes on whether or how agents followed them up.One entry describes a woman claiming that her friend was forced to perform oral sex on Trump roughly 35 years ago in New Jersey, when she was allegedly 13 or 14 years old. The report says the girl was also abused by Epstein and that she was struck after biting Trump. In the column labelled “response”, the FBI noted that the caller was contacted and the lead forwarded to its Washington office for interview. No outcome is recorded.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260131/image-1769823580593.png"><figcaption>Image Source: US Justice Department/Dataset: EFTA01660679</figcaption></figure>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-are-epstein-files-still-redacted-doj-denies-cover-up-meant-to-shield-trump-1766367317764">Why are Epstein files still redacted? DOJ denies cover-up meant to shield Trump</a><h2>Other allegations against Trump in the file</h2>One of the more shocking claims against the POTUS alleges that he was complicit in the murder of a newborn child, which may have been born from sexual acts paid for by Trump and others.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260131/image-1769824130470.png"><figcaption>Image Source: US Justice Department/Dataset: EFTA01660679</figcaption></figure>Another tip by an unidentified complainant claims “she was a victim and witness to a sex trafficking ring at the Trump Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA between 1995- 1996”. The complainant alleged that Ghislaine Maxwell acted as a “madam and broker” at sex parties there.“Complainant reported being threatened by Trump’s then head of security that, if she ever talked of what went on there or who she saw, he would end up as fertiliser for the back nine holes like the other c--ts’.” In that case, the FBI wrote that the complainant was “spoken to and deemed not credible”.Other entries include claims about "calendar girls" parties at Mar-a-Lago, where "Jeffrey Epstein would bring the children in, and Trump would auction them off".It also contains references to a limousine driver alleging knowledge of victims linked to both Trump and Epstein. Several tips were either impossible to verify or were not pursued further due to a lack of contact information.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260131/image-1769824093168.png"><figcaption>Image Source: US Justice Department/Dataset: EFTA01660679</figcaption></figure><h2>White House calls rape allegations "unfounded"</h2>The White House has dismissed the allegations as “unfounded and false”. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has said he cut ties with the financier long before his arrest.Asked about the latest allegations, the White House referred reporters to a statement from the Department of Justice, which warned that the document release included unverified and potentially false material.“This production may include fake or falsely submitted images, documents or videos, as everything that was sent to the FBI by the public was included in the production that is responsive to the Act,” the statement said.In an apparent attempt to dismiss the claims as a smear campaign before the 2020 elections, it added, "Some of the documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election". The department added that if any claims had real credibility, they would already have been “weaponised” against Trump in past investigations or political battles.&nbsp;

A new batch of US Justice Department documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein has resurfaced unverified allegations against Donald Trump, including a claim that he raped a 13-year-old girl. Here's all you need to know.

Donald Trump has landed in hot soup as a newly released batch of documents from the US Justice Department highlights allegations that the US President raped a 13-year-old girl. The fresh cache of Epstein files released on Friday (Jan 30) has reignited controversy around President Donald Trump and his past links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, more so thanks to explosive claims of rape and even a murder the POTUS was an accessory to. The sensational claims briefly disappeared from the DOJ website after being released, a disappearance which didn't go unnoticed. The damning claims reappeared hours later, with the DOJ saying that the shocking allegations against the POTUS were "down due to overload and is back online.” Here's all you need to know. Also read | Epstein files: Disturbing paedophilic quotes on bosoms to price tags for girls, here's what shocking new pics reveal Trump raped a 13-year-old? Among the files is an explosive allegation of rape involving a 13-year-old girl, recorded in an FBI tip sheet from August last year. The claim is part of a large database of unverified reports submitted to the FBI by members of the public. The material comes from an FBI spreadsheet linked to an investigation into the Alexander brothers, wealthy Florida siblings currently facing sex trafficking charges. The spreadsheet catalogues tips received by the bureau, along with brief notes on whether or how agents followed them up. One entry describes a woman claiming that her friend was forced to perform oral sex on Trump roughly 35 years ago in New Jersey, when she was allegedly 13 or 14 years old. The report says the girl was also abused by Epstein and that she was struck after biting Trump. In the column labelled “response”, the FBI noted that the caller was contacted and the lead forwarded to its Washington office for interview. No outcome is recorded. Image Source: US Justice Department/Dataset: EFTA01660679 Also read | Why are Epstein files still redacted? DOJ denies cover-up meant to shield Trump Other allegations against Trump in the file One of the more shocking claims against the POTUS alleges that he was complicit in the murder of a newborn child, which may have been born from sexual acts paid for by Trump and others. Image Source: US Justice Department/Dataset: EFTA01660679 Another tip by an unidentified complainant claims “she was a victim and witness to a sex trafficking ring at the Trump Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA between 1995- 1996”. The complainant alleged that Ghislaine Maxwell acted as a “madam and broker” at sex parties there. “Complainant reported being threatened by Trump’s then head of security that, if she ever talked of what went on there or who she saw, he would end up as fertiliser for the back nine holes like the other c--ts’.” In that case, the FBI wrote that the complainant was “spoken to and deemed not credible”. Other entries include claims about "calendar girls" parties at Mar-a-Lago, where "Jeffrey Epstein would bring the children in, and Trump would auction them off". It also contains references to a limousine driver alleging knowledge of victims linked to both Trump and Epstein. Several tips were either impossible to verify or were not pursued further due to a lack of contact information. Image Source: US Justice Department/Dataset: EFTA01660679 White House calls rape allegations "unfounded" The White House has dismissed the allegations as “unfounded and false”. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has said he cut ties with the financier long before his arrest. Asked about the latest allegations, the White House referred reporters to a statement from the Department of Justice, which warned that the document release included unverified and potentially false material. “This production may include fake or falsely submitted images, documents or videos, as everything that was sent to the FBI by the public was included in the production that is responsive to the Act,” the statement said. In an apparent attempt to dismiss the claims as a smear campaign before the 2020 elections, it added, "Some of the documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election". The department added that if any claims had real credibility, they would already have been “weaponised” against Trump in past investigations or political battles.

A new batch of US Justice Department documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein has resurfaced unverified allegations against Donald Trump, including a claim that he raped a 13-year-old girl. Here's all you need to know.

Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations

A new report by the Wall Street Journal claims that Jeffrey Epstein was a regular visitor to Mar-a-Lago. Despite his not paying a fee for Mar-a-Lago, he was treated “like one”. Several Mar-a-Lago staff have reportedly been sent to Jeffrey Epstein’s nearby residence for massages and spa services in the late 1990s and early 2000s. During those encounters, Epstein has reportedly come across as sexually suggestive behaviours and on numerous occasions exposed himself to young women during such visits. Epstein's associates, Ghislaine Maxwell, is said to have reportedly said to have used this arrangement to recruit spa workers for side jobs not authorised by the club.<h2>What led to Epstein's supposed ban from Mar-a-Lago?</h2>In 2003, an 18-year-old beautician who went to Epstein's residence reportedly came back and complained to the human resources team that she was pressured for sexual favours. The manager reportedly faxed Trump, relaying the information to which Trump reportedly said it was a good letter and appropriate to sever ties with Epstein. Trump has publicly said he broke with Epstein because he “stole” young workers from Mar-a-Lago, including Virginia Giuffre.&nbsp;The Journal claims that both continued to cross paths with each other and found themselves in direct competition for a Palm Beach property up for auction in late 2004. Trump reportedly won the bidding.&nbsp;“No matter how many times this story is told and retold, the truth remains: President Trump did nothing wrong, and he kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago for being a creep,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She argues that the WSJ is “writing up fallacies and innuendo in order to smear President Trump.”

A Wall Street Journal report claims Jeffrey Epstein was treated like a Mar-a-Lago member, with staff sent to his home, before Trump allegedly cut ties in 2003.

A new report by the Wall Street Journal claims that Jeffrey Epstein was a regular visitor to Mar-a-Lago. Despite his not paying a fee for Mar-a-Lago, he was treated “like one”. Several Mar-a-Lago staff have reportedly been sent to Jeffrey Epstein’s nearby residence for massages and spa services in the late 1990s and early 2000s. During those encounters, Epstein has reportedly come across as sexually suggestive behaviours and on numerous occasions exposed himself to young women during such visits. Epstein's associates, Ghislaine Maxwell, is said to have reportedly said to have used this arrangement to recruit spa workers for side jobs not authorised by the club. What led to Epstein's supposed ban from Mar-a-Lago? In 2003, an 18-year-old beautician who went to Epstein's residence reportedly came back and complained to the human resources team that she was pressured for sexual favours. The manager reportedly faxed Trump, relaying the information to which Trump reportedly said it was a good letter and appropriate to sever ties with Epstein. Trump has publicly said he broke with Epstein because he “stole” young workers from Mar-a-Lago, including Virginia Giuffre. The Journal claims that both continued to cross paths with each other and found themselves in direct competition for a Palm Beach property up for auction in late 2004. Trump reportedly won the bidding. “No matter how many times this story is told and retold, the truth remains: President Trump did nothing wrong, and he kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago for being a creep,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She argues that the WSJ is “writing up fallacies and innuendo in order to smear President Trump.”

A Wall Street Journal report claims Jeffrey Epstein was treated like a Mar-a-Lago member, with staff sent to his home, before Trump allegedly cut ties in 2003.

What really happened at Mar-a-Lago? Fresh claims drag Trump back into Epstein scandal

US President Donald Trump's self-appointed troller-in-chief, Gavin Newsom, has dropped an end-of-the year message on the highly controversial Epstein files. Trolling Trump, the California governor has posted a short video on his X account, along with the caption, "2025: [REDACTED]," an apparent reference to the thousands of partially and in some cases fully redacted documents "dropped" by the Trump DOJ as part of the much-awaited Epstein Files release.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sick-of-epstein-files-redactions-internet-sleuths-have-discovered-a-hack-to-read-everything-here-s-how-1766553752960">Sick of Epstein files redactions? Internet sleuths have discovered a hack to read almost EVERYTHING. Here's how</a><h2>What's in the video?</h2>The video Newsom posted shines the spotlight on the Trump-Epstein friendship, which the POTUS claims ended with him kicking out the "creep" (Epstein) from his Mar-a-Lago resort. At the beginning of the video, a voice narrates, "And with that, the 2025 season comes to an end," as a headline appears "DOJ defends removing Trump photo from Epstein files". Behind the headline cutout is the Trump photo that was removed by the DOJ, triggering cover-up claims.The rest of the clip has a video of Trump with Epstein as the background, and in the foreground runs a slideshow of both the completely blackened-out pages and those that were not redacted. All of this is set to Mumford &amp; Sons’ song, White Blank Page.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">2025: [REDACTED] <a href="https://t.co/5L1rOMcWmF">pic.twitter.com/5L1rOMcWmF</a>&mdash; Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) <a href="https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom/status/2003894328851419214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It then moves on to highlight damning quotes about Trump featured in the Epstein files, like the one the sex offender wrote in an email: "I have met some very bad people... none as bad as Trump."The video also highlights, "Donald Trump travelled on Epstein's jet many more times than previously has been reported (or that we were aware)". This bit of info was included in one of the recent file drops. A 2020 emails from the Southern District of New York shows that Trump was on Epstein's plane multiple times, including one flight with "only three passengers" - Trump, Epstein and an unnamed 20-year-old woman.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-doj-receives-one-million-new-documents-when-can-we-expect-a-new-epstein-files-drop-1766634140302">Trump DOJ 'finds' million new Epstein files after January 19 release deadline. When will they be released?</a><h2>More Epstein files expected</h2>In a post on X, the Donald Trump DOJ revealed that it has received around one million more documents "potentially related to the Jeffrey Epstein case" but stopped short of giving a timeline for when the public will see them.In a brief statement posted Wednesday (Dec 24), the department said the files were handed over by the FBI and the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. Officials said teams were now working "around the clock" to review the material and apply redactions meant to protect victims before publication."We will release the documents as soon as possible," the Justice Department said, adding that the sheer volume of material meant the process could take "a few more weeks".

California Governor Gavin Newsom has trolled Donald Trump with a sharp video mocking redacted Epstein files, spotlighting Trump’s past ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Set to music and leaked quotes, the post fans cover-up claims as the DOJ admits more Epstein documents are coming.

US President Donald Trump's self-appointed troller-in-chief, Gavin Newsom, has dropped an end-of-the year message on the highly controversial Epstein files. Trolling Trump, the California governor has posted a short video on his X account, along with the caption, "2025: [REDACTED]," an apparent reference to the thousands of partially and in some cases fully redacted documents "dropped" by the Trump DOJ as part of the much-awaited Epstein Files release. Also read | Sick of Epstein files redactions? Internet sleuths have discovered a hack to read almost EVERYTHING. Here's how What's in the video? The video Newsom posted shines the spotlight on the Trump-Epstein friendship, which the POTUS claims ended with him kicking out the "creep" (Epstein) from his Mar-a-Lago resort. At the beginning of the video, a voice narrates, "And with that, the 2025 season comes to an end," as a headline appears "DOJ defends removing Trump photo from Epstein files". Behind the headline cutout is the Trump photo that was removed by the DOJ, triggering cover-up claims. The rest of the clip has a video of Trump with Epstein as the background, and in the foreground runs a slideshow of both the completely blackened-out pages and those that were not redacted. All of this is set to Mumford & Sons’ song, White Blank Page.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has trolled Donald Trump with a sharp video mocking redacted Epstein files, spotlighting Trump’s past ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Set to music and leaked quotes, the post fans cover-up claims as the DOJ admits more Epstein documents are coming.

'2025: REDACTED': Newsom goes full troll mode on Trump over Epstein files redactions. Watch viral video

The US Justice Department said Sunday (Dec 22) that a photograph containing an image of President Donald Trump has been restored to its online Epstein files database after being temporarily removed for review. The image, released late Friday as part of a large dump of records related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, shows a desk drawer containing several photographs. People were quick to spot that one of the pictures appears to show Trump alongside Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell and others. However, soon after the picture was removed, triggering widespread condemnation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-are-epstein-files-still-redacted-doj-denies-cover-up-meant-to-shield-trump-1766367317764">Why are Epstein files still redacted? DOJ denies cover-up meant to shield Trump</a><h2>Protecting victims or Trump?</h2>The photograph disappeared from the Justice Department's website on Saturday, prompting speculation and accusations of political interference. In a statement posted on X, the department said the image had been taken down temporarily to determine whether additional redactions were needed to protect victims."The Southern District of New York flagged an image of President Trump for potential further action to protect victims," the statement said. "Out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Justice temporarily removed the image for further review."After that review, officials concluded that the photograph did not depict any of Epstein's victims. "It was determined there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted in the photograph, and it has been reposted without any alteration or redaction," the department said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/ZbpE6Uq6xh">pic.twitter.com/ZbpE6Uq6xh</a>&mdash; U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJusticeDept/status/2002843217633632644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Trump has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for recruiting underage girls for Epstein.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/house-democrats-drop-epstein-photos-from-disturbing-paedophilic-lolita-quotes-on-bosoms-to-price-tag-for-girls-shocking-pics-reveal-bill-gates-1766131614452">Epstein files: Disturbing paedophilic quotes on bosoms to price tags for girls, here's what shocking new pics reveal</a><h2>'Biggest coverups in American history'?</h2>The brief removal of the image quickly drew criticism from Democrats in Congress. House Oversight Committee Democrats publicly questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi, asking whether the takedown signaled a broader effort to conceal information. In a post on X, they asked, "is this true? What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public."Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also weighed in, warning on social media that the incident raised concerns about transparency. "If they're taking this down," he wrote, "they’re taking this down, just imagine how much more they’re trying to hide … This could be one of the biggest coverups in American history".

The DOJ has restored an Epstein file photo, which shows Trump. This was done after the photo was briefly removed, allegedly “for review,” to protect victims. The takedown sparked backlash and allegations of a cover-up.

The US Justice Department said Sunday (Dec 22) that a photograph containing an image of President Donald Trump has been restored to its online Epstein files database after being temporarily removed for review. The image, released late Friday as part of a large dump of records related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, shows a desk drawer containing several photographs. People were quick to spot that one of the pictures appears to show Trump alongside Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell and others. However, soon after the picture was removed, triggering widespread condemnation. Also read | Why are Epstein files still redacted? DOJ denies cover-up meant to shield Trump Protecting victims or Trump? The photograph disappeared from the Justice Department's website on Saturday, prompting speculation and accusations of political interference. In a statement posted on X, the department said the image had been taken down temporarily to determine whether additional redactions were needed to protect victims. "The Southern District of New York flagged an image of President Trump for potential further action to protect victims," the statement said. "Out of an abundance of caution, the Department of Justice temporarily removed the image for further review." After that review, officials concluded that the photograph did not depict any of Epstein's victims. "It was determined there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted in the photograph, and it has been reposted without any alteration or redaction," the department said.

The DOJ has restored an Epstein file photo, which shows Trump. This was done after the photo was briefly removed, allegedly “for review,” to protect victims. The takedown sparked backlash and allegations of a cover-up.

Trump photo vanishes from Epstein files, then reappears. DOJ claims it was deleted 'out of an abundance of caution'

The White House came out swinging on Wednesday (Nov 12), dismissing fresh claims that US President Donald Trump was aware of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse of minors. Calling the recently released collection of shocking emails "a manufactured hoax" by Democrats, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted that Trump "did nothing wrong". This comes as House Democrats released a batch of emails suggesting that Epstein believed Trump knew about his crimes and had spent time with one of his victims. In one 2011 email to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein allegedly wrote that Trump "spent hours" with the woman later identified as Virginia Giuffre. "He has never once been mentioned," Epstein said, while referring to Trump as "that dog that hasn't barked".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-has-a-meltdown-over-new-epstein-emails-calls-it-a-democrat-trap-1762998376011">Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap'</a><h2>White House defends Trump's honour</h2>Addressing the media during a press briefing, Leavitt insisted that Trump kicked out Epstein from Mar-a-Lago years ago, because he was "a paedophile and a creep." She said that the emails that were recently made public "prove absolutely nothing other than the fact that President Trump did nothing wrong."Trump's press secretary claimed that the current "administration has done more with respect to transparency when it comes to Jeffrey Epstein than any administration ever." She said that the Justice Department has "turned over thousands of documents" to the American people, and that the administration was cooperating with the House of Representatives’ oversight committee. "That’s part of the reason you are seeing these documents that were released today," she said, hogging credit for the Democrat revelations.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-33-000-pages-released-yet-they-re-heavily-redacted-full-transparency-or-just-a-pacifier-for-maga-1756890944032">Epstein files: 33,000 pages released, yet they're heavily redacted. 'Full transparency' or just a pacifier for MAGA?</a>Leavitt then accused Democrats of leaking the emails to distract from the ongoing government shutdown fight. "There are no coincidences in Washington," she said. "It is not a coincidence that the Democrats leaked these emails to the fake news this morning ahead of Republicans reopening the government."She also alleged that "now they're talking about it all of a sudden because President Trump is in the Oval Office," but "when Joe Biden was sitting in there, the Democrats never brought this up." She added that it "wasn’t an issue that they cared about because they actually don't care about the victims in these cases."<h2>What do the emails show?</h2>The emails, released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, establish linkages between Trump and Epstein. Among them is a 2011 message from Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell in which he claimed Trump "spent hours" with Virginia Giuffre. Another 2019 email shows Epstein allegedly telling author Michael Wolff that "of course he [Trump] knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop."Trump and Epstein were once friends, photographed together multiple times during the 1990s and early 2000s, before reportedly falling out in 2004 over a property dispute. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex-trafficking minors.&nbsp;

The White House dismissed fresh claims that Donald Trump knew of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse, calling leaked emails from Democrats “a manufactured hoax.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump “did nothing wrong” and had banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago years before his arrest.

The White House came out swinging on Wednesday (Nov 12), dismissing fresh claims that US President Donald Trump was aware of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse of minors. Calling the recently released collection of shocking emails "a manufactured hoax" by Democrats, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted that Trump "did nothing wrong". This comes as House Democrats released a batch of emails suggesting that Epstein believed Trump knew about his crimes and had spent time with one of his victims. In one 2011 email to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein allegedly wrote that Trump "spent hours" with the woman later identified as Virginia Giuffre. "He has never once been mentioned," Epstein said, while referring to Trump as "that dog that hasn't barked". Also read | Trump has a meltdown over new Epstein emails, calls it a Democrat 'trap' White House defends Trump's honour Addressing the media during a press briefing, Leavitt insisted that Trump kicked out Epstein from Mar-a-Lago years ago, because he was "a paedophile and a creep." She said that the emails that were recently made public "prove absolutely nothing other than the fact that President Trump did nothing wrong." Trump's press secretary claimed that the current "administration has done more with respect to transparency when it comes to Jeffrey Epstein than any administration ever." She said that the Justice Department has "turned over thousands of documents" to the American people, and that the administration was cooperating with the House of Representatives’ oversight committee. "That’s part of the reason you are seeing these documents that were released today," she said, hogging credit for the Democrat revelations. Also read | Epstein files: 33,000 pages released, yet they're heavily redacted. 'Full transparency' or just a pacifier for MAGA? Leavitt then accused Democrats of leaking the emails to distract from the ongoing government shutdown fight. "There are no coincidences in Washington," she said. "It is not a coincidence that the Democrats leaked these emails to the fake news this morning ahead of Republicans reopening the government." She also alleged that "now they're talking about it all of a sudden because President Trump is in the Oval Office," but "when Joe Biden was sitting in there, the Democrats never brought this up." She added that it "wasn’t an issue that they cared about because they actually don't care about the victims in these cases." What do the emails show? The emails, released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, establish linkages between Trump and Epstein. Among them is a 2011 message from Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell in which he claimed Trump "spent hours" with Virginia Giuffre. Another 2019 email shows Epstein allegedly telling author Michael Wolff that "of course he [Trump] knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop." Trump and Epstein were once friends, photographed together multiple times during the 1990s and early 2000s, before reportedly falling out in 2004 over a property dispute. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex-trafficking minors.

The White House dismissed fresh claims that Donald Trump knew of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse, calling leaked emails from Democrats “a manufactured hoax.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump “did nothing wrong” and had banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago years before his arrest.

White House says 'he did nothing wrong’ after shocking Epstein emails claim Trump 'spent hours' with victim

A bizarre custom-made chess set commissioned by sex trafficker, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has come to light, adding another unsettling detail to the late financier’s sordid legacy. Photos of the custom chess board show Epstein cast as the king piece, flanked by nine women in their 20s posing provocatively, who were eventually sculpted into the other chess pieces on the board. Pictures of the bizarre chess set were obtained by TMZ.<h2>Epstein 'the King'?</h2>The TMZ report suggests that with the custom chess board, "Epstein made himself the king on his own chessboard, lording over his queens -- literally!"Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-33-000-pages-released-yet-they-re-heavily-redacted-full-transparency-or-just-a-pacifier-for-maga-1756890944032">Epstein files: 33,000 pages released, yet they're heavily redacted. 'Full transparency' or just a pacifier for MAGA?</a>As per the report, the project was carried out in 2016 at a New York photo studio - yes, the same year Donald Trump became the US president for the first time. The weird project involved about 600 photos and produced a full 36-piece set. Each king bore Epstein’s likeness in black or white robes, complete with a crown.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇺🇸♟️ FLASH | Selon le site TMZ, Jeffrey Epstein aurait fait fabriquer en 2016 un « jeu d’échecs humain » où il se faisait représenter comme le roi et où des femmes figuraient les pions. Il s’était fait photographier comme modèle pour incarner le roi, tandis que d’autres femmes… <a href="https://t.co/EEEVH8k4p6">pic.twitter.com/EEEVH8k4p6</a>&mdash; Cerfia (@CerfiaFR) <a href="https://twitter.com/CerfiaFR/status/1970117381629383062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The women, described as glamorous and confident, reportedly told staff they were part of a “chess club” but offered little explanation of its nature. They returned multiple times to pose provocatively in striking outfits, their images eventually turned into 3D-printed pawns, bishops, rooks, knights, and queens. Meanwhile, Epstein only appeared toward the end to be photographed himself, despite confessing he didn’t know the number of pieces on a standard board. It must be noted that in 2016, Epstein had already been convicted for soliciting a teenage girl for prostitution. He had also served a 13-month prison sentence.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/epstein-in-the-white-house-sex-offender-s-former-butler-claims-trump-made-him-a-job-offer-after-2016-win-1754730020385">Epstein in White House? Sex offender's former butler claims Trump made him a job offer after 2016 win</a><h2>How much did Epstein shell out to always be the king in the chess game?</h2>The cost of the project was around $5,000 — a trivial expense for Epstein, whose fortune was valued at more than $600 million before his 2019 death while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking underage girls. His death was ruled a suicide, but it has fuelled years of conspiracy theories and suspicions, particularly among supporters of President Donald Trump.The resurfacing of the chess set comes as fresh controversy swirls around Epstein’s ties to public figures, including Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, and Trump's ex-DOGE chief Elon Musk.

A custom-made chess set commissioned by sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein has come to light. In the disturbing chess set, Epstein is cast as the king piece while multiple women seem to be mere pawns. All you need to know.

A bizarre custom-made chess set commissioned by sex trafficker, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has come to light, adding another unsettling detail to the late financier’s sordid legacy. Photos of the custom chess board show Epstein cast as the king piece, flanked by nine women in their 20s posing provocatively, who were eventually sculpted into the other chess pieces on the board. Pictures of the bizarre chess set were obtained by TMZ. Epstein 'the King'? The TMZ report suggests that with the custom chess board, "Epstein made himself the king on his own chessboard, lording over his queens -- literally!" Also read | Epstein files: 33,000 pages released, yet they're heavily redacted. 'Full transparency' or just a pacifier for MAGA? As per the report, the project was carried out in 2016 at a New York photo studio - yes, the same year Donald Trump became the US president for the first time. The weird project involved about 600 photos and produced a full 36-piece set. Each king bore Epstein’s likeness in black or white robes, complete with a crown.

A custom-made chess set commissioned by sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein has come to light. In the disturbing chess set, Epstein is cast as the king piece while multiple women seem to be mere pawns. All you need to know.

Epstein crowned himself ‘King’ in unsettling custom chess set, women cast as pawns — photos emerge

US President Donald Trump, along with First Lady Melania Trump, is on an unprecedented 2nd trip to the UK, and was greeted by Britons brandishing signs calling him a 'small dick-tator,' and slamming him for his Jeffrey Epstein connection. Choice images from the anti-Trump protests here:

'Elect a rapist, expect to get fu**ed': Britons troll 'dick-tator' Trump, light up Windsor Castle with Epstein images

US President Donald Trump has lodged a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times. He claims the news outlet has been lying about him and spreading falsehoods. In his social media post, Trump referred to himself as NYT’s&nbsp; ‘Favourite President’, mocking them for writing about him, his business, and his America First Movement, MAGA. Apart from this, the president has been a big name in the Jeffrey Epstein case. This also came days after an article on Epstein had a mention of a suggestive birthday card and drawing presented to him, which was signed by Donald Trump. Though the US president has vehemently denied any involvement and said it wasn’t his signature.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-president-donald-trump-threatens-to-declare-national-emergency-in-d-c-1757957712911/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-president-donald-trump-threatens-to-declare-national-emergency-in-d-c-1757957712911/embed</a>&nbsp;“I am PROUD to hold this once respected “rag” responsible, as we are doing with the Fake News Networks such as our successful litigation against George Slopadopoulos/ABC/Disney, and 60 Minutes/CBS/Paramount, who knew that they were falsely “smearing” me through a highly sophisticated system of document and visual alteration, which was, in effect, a malicious form of defamation, and thus, settled for record amounts,” he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-trade-czar-peter-navarro-lashes-out-at-india-again-ahead-of-trade-talks-unfair-trade-funding-putin-s-war-1757995749305">Trump’s trade czar Peter Navarro lashes out at India again ahead of trade talks: 'Unfair trade, funding Putin’s war'</a>&nbsp;Citing previous examples, the US president highlighted lawsuits against ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos and another on Paramount over an hour-long interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. Both cases were later settled for $15 million and $16 million.&nbsp;He wrote, “The New York Times has been allowed to freely lie, smear, and defame me for far too long, and that stops, NOW! The suit is being brought in the Great State of Florida.” Trump further went on to call the newspaper ‘one of the worst and most degenerate’ in ths history of America, calling it the mouthpiece of ‘Radical Left Democrat Party’.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Donald Trump has filed a defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times. This comes days after an article on his Epstein links was published.

US President Donald Trump has lodged a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times. He claims the news outlet has been lying about him and spreading falsehoods. In his social media post, Trump referred to himself as NYT’s ‘Favourite President’, mocking them for writing about him, his business, and his America First Movement, MAGA. Apart from this, the president has been a big name in the Jeffrey Epstein case. This also came days after an article on Epstein had a mention of a suggestive birthday card and drawing presented to him, which was signed by Donald Trump. Though the US president has vehemently denied any involvement and said it wasn’t his signature. https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-president-donald-trump-threatens-to-declare-national-emergency-in-d-c-1757957712911/embed “I am PROUD to hold this once respected “rag” responsible, as we are doing with the Fake News Networks such as our successful litigation against George Slopadopoulos/ABC/Disney, and 60 Minutes/CBS/Paramount, who knew that they were falsely “smearing” me through a highly sophisticated system of document and visual alteration, which was, in effect, a malicious form of defamation, and thus, settled for record amounts,” he added. Also read: Trump’s trade czar Peter Navarro lashes out at India again ahead of trade talks: 'Unfair trade, funding Putin’s war' Citing previous examples, the US president highlighted lawsuits against ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos and another on Paramount over an hour-long interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. Both cases were later settled for $15 million and $16 million. He wrote, “The New York Times has been allowed to freely lie, smear, and defame me for far too long, and that stops, NOW! The suit is being brought in the Great State of Florida.” Trump further went on to call the newspaper ‘one of the worst and most degenerate’ in ths history of America, calling it the mouthpiece of ‘Radical Left Democrat Party’.

Donald Trump has filed a defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times. This comes days after an article on his Epstein links was published.

Donald Trump presses $15 billion defamation lawsuit on New York Times days after Epstein-link article

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday declined to discuss the letter allegedly written by him to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that House Democrats released on Monday, calling it a “dead issue” and denied that he wrote it. “I don’t comment on something that’s a dead issue,” Trump told NBC News in a phone call Tuesday morning. “I gave all comments to the staff. It’s a dead issue.” He declined to discuss the issue any further.&nbsp;Democrats on the House Oversight Committee posted on X an image of a lewd note Trump allegedly sent Epstein for his 50th birthday. The letter was part of documents released on Monday, which stemmed from a subpoena the GOP-led committee sent to Epstein’s estate&nbsp;Trump has denied that he wrote the letter. White House officials also dismissed it on Monday, arguing that the signature did not match the president’s current signature. Earlier instances of the president’s signature, though, appear similar to the signature on the letter.The letter, which was allegedly sent in 2003, was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Trump sued the Journal’s parent company, publisher, and two reporters for defamation in July, but the newspaper has said it stands by its reporting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨🚨HERE IT IS: We got Trump’s birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein that the President said doesn’t exist. Trump talks about a “wonderful secret” the two of them shared. What is he hiding? Release the files! <a href="https://t.co/k2Mq8Hu3LY">pic.twitter.com/k2Mq8Hu3LY</a>&mdash; Oversight Dems (@OversightDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/OversightDems/status/1965125560016994708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;The letter depicts the outline of a naked woman with Trump’s first name signed in the pubic area. The note lays out a conversation between Trump and Epstein, with Trump saying, “We have certain things in common, Jeffrey.”The letter concludes with a depiction of Trump saying, “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”&nbsp;WATCH: Israel strikes Qatar: Israel targets Hamas leadership in attack on Doha<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-strikes-qatar-israel-targets-hamas-leadership-in-attack-on-doha-1757436646511/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-strikes-qatar-israel-targets-hamas-leadership-in-attack-on-doha-1757436646511/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The Epstein issue has rocked Washington for months, leading to a divide among Republicans who typically unitedly back the White House’s messaging. Trump has repeatedly downplayed the story, even though some of his MAGA allies continue to push for transparency.&nbsp;The Republican-led House Oversight Committee released documents from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, including a 2003 “birthday book” in which Trump was alleged to have sent a lewd letter to the disgraced financier.Democratic lawmakers and a handful of their Republican counterparts are working to collect signatures that could ultimately force a vote over whether the Justice Department has to release more Epstein files.

The Epstein issue has rocked Washington for months, leading to a divide among Republicans who typically unitedly back the White House’s messaging. Trump has repeatedly downplayed the story, even though some of his MAGA allies continue to push for transparency.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday declined to discuss the letter allegedly written by him to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that House Democrats released on Monday, calling it a “dead issue” and denied that he wrote it. “I don’t comment on something that’s a dead issue,” Trump told NBC News in a phone call Tuesday morning. “I gave all comments to the staff. It’s a dead issue.” He declined to discuss the issue any further. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee posted on X an image of a lewd note Trump allegedly sent Epstein for his 50th birthday. The letter was part of documents released on Monday, which stemmed from a subpoena the GOP-led committee sent to Epstein’s estate Trump has denied that he wrote the letter. White House officials also dismissed it on Monday, arguing that the signature did not match the president’s current signature. Earlier instances of the president’s signature, though, appear similar to the signature on the letter. The letter, which was allegedly sent in 2003, was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Trump sued the Journal’s parent company, publisher, and two reporters for defamation in July, but the newspaper has said it stands by its reporting.

The Epstein issue has rocked Washington for months, leading to a divide among Republicans who typically unitedly back the White House’s messaging. Trump has repeatedly downplayed the story, even though some of his MAGA allies continue to push for transparency.

Trump says Epstein birthday letter a ‘dead issue’, denies he wrote it

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday (Sep 5) made a shocking remark about US President Donald Trump and convicted sex trafficker and paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. While defending Trump over the mounting criticism over the delayed release of the notorious Epstein files, Johnson claimed that the POTUS was once an FBI informant in the Epstein case. His statement comes as Trump recently labelled the bipartisan push for the release of the files a "Democrat Hoax".<h2>Trump: Business tycoon, US president and an FBI informant?</h2>Speaking to reporters, Johnson claimed that Trump had been an FBI informant for decades. Defending Trump's 'hoax' remarks, the House Speaker said that the Republican was not saying that "Epstein did is a hoax." Clarifying Trump's ramblings, Johnson said that the POTUS believed that what Epstein did was "a terrible, unspeakable evil".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-33-000-pages-released-yet-they-re-heavily-redacted-full-transparency-or-just-a-pacifier-for-maga-1756890944032">Epstein files: 33,000 pages released, yet they're heavily redacted. 'Full transparency' or just a pacifier for MAGA?</a>Reiterating a previous claim Trump made, he added, "When he first heard the rumour, he kicked him out of Mar-A-Lago," before adding, "He was an FBI informant trying to take this down.""The president knows and has great sympathy for the women who have suffered these unspeakable harms. It's detestable to him; he and I have spoken about this, as recently as 24 hours ago," Johnson told reporters.<h2>Trump's 'Democrat hoax' statement</h2>Donald Trump, while talking to reporters, had dismissed calls for greater transparency in the Epstein case, saying, "It's really a Democrat hoax because they're trying to get people to talk about something that's totally irrelevant to the success that we have had as a nation since I have been president."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/epstein-in-the-white-house-sex-offender-s-former-butler-claims-trump-made-him-a-job-offer-after-2016-win-1754730020385">Epstein in the White House? Sex offender's former butler claims Trump made him a job offer after 2016 win</a>Johnson's claim that Trump was an FBI informant in the Epstein sex trafficking case follows conflicting claims by the disgraced financier's former butler. In a no-holds-barred interview with The Telegraph, Valdson Vieira Cotrin, who was sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's butler for 18 years and was in charge of managing his Paris estate, recalled how the disgraced financier was offered a job in Trump's first government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed that US President Donald Trump was an FBI informant in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case while seeking to defend the president amid criticism over his ‘Democrat hoax’ statement.

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday (Sep 5) made a shocking remark about US President Donald Trump and convicted sex trafficker and paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. While defending Trump over the mounting criticism over the delayed release of the notorious Epstein files, Johnson claimed that the POTUS was once an FBI informant in the Epstein case. His statement comes as Trump recently labelled the bipartisan push for the release of the files a "Democrat Hoax". Trump: Business tycoon, US president and an FBI informant? Speaking to reporters, Johnson claimed that Trump had been an FBI informant for decades. Defending Trump's 'hoax' remarks, the House Speaker said that the Republican was not saying that "Epstein did is a hoax." Clarifying Trump's ramblings, Johnson said that the POTUS believed that what Epstein did was "a terrible, unspeakable evil". Also read | Epstein files: 33,000 pages released, yet they're heavily redacted. 'Full transparency' or just a pacifier for MAGA? Reiterating a previous claim Trump made, he added, "When he first heard the rumour, he kicked him out of Mar-A-Lago," before adding, "He was an FBI informant trying to take this down." "The president knows and has great sympathy for the women who have suffered these unspeakable harms. It's detestable to him; he and I have spoken about this, as recently as 24 hours ago," Johnson told reporters. Trump's 'Democrat hoax' statement Donald Trump, while talking to reporters, had dismissed calls for greater transparency in the Epstein case, saying, "It's really a Democrat hoax because they're trying to get people to talk about something that's totally irrelevant to the success that we have had as a nation since I have been president." Also read | Epstein in the White House? Sex offender's former butler claims Trump made him a job offer after 2016 win Johnson's claim that Trump was an FBI informant in the Epstein sex trafficking case follows conflicting claims by the disgraced financier's former butler. In a no-holds-barred interview with The Telegraph, Valdson Vieira Cotrin, who was sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's butler for 18 years and was in charge of managing his Paris estate, recalled how the disgraced financier was offered a job in Trump's first government.

House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed that US President Donald Trump was an FBI informant in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case while seeking to defend the president amid criticism over his ‘Democrat hoax’ statement.

Trump, Epstein and the FBI: Speaker Mike Johnson claims POTUS secretly helped take the paedophile down

The US House Oversight Committee on Tuesday (Sep 2) dropped the first batch of Jeffrey Epstein records online, touting "full transparency". In reality, what hit the website was more than 33,000 pages, many of which were heavily redacted documents — some almost entire pages blacked out — leaving critics to wonder if this was accountability or just a political pacifier. After releasing the latest batch of Epstein files, committee chairperson James Comer, a Republican, promised Americans "full transparency".<h2>Redacted documents and full transparency</h2>"We're in the process of uploading those documents for full transparency so everyone in America can see those documents," said Comer. He added that the release was "going as quick as we can get them uploaded" and that they want the files to be public "as soon as possible." But as many pointed out, what good is transparency if much of the content is unreadable?Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-files-released-33-000-pages-posted-online-for-all-to-see-here-s-what-we-know-1756860716401">Jeffrey Epstein files released: 33,000 pages posted online for all to see. Here's what we know</a>Epstein, the disgraced financier with friends in politics, Hollywood and finance, died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death — officially ruled a suicide — only fuelled conspiracy theories, especially among Donald Trump's MAGA supporters, who have long claimed that Democratic elites were being shielded while Trump himself was unfairly smeared.The FBI and Justice Department previously said Epstein left no "client list," no blackmail trove, and no evidence of compromising prominent figures. That conclusion infuriated many in Trump's base, who remain convinced there is more to the story.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-s-wannabe-assassin-ryan-wesley-routh-issues-insane-golf-challenge-he-wins-execute-me-i-win-1756869739998">Trump's wannabe assassin Ryan Wesley Routh issues insane golf challenge: 'He wins, execute me, if I win...'</a><h2>Epstein's file drop has old documents?</h2>Tuesday's release doesn't appear to change much. Ranking Democrat Robert Garcia said most of the files were already public, adding that the redactions made it hard to see what was actually new. The committee did hear fresh closed-door testimony from Epstein and Maxwell's victims, which Garcia described as "horrific and infuriating." The Justice Department said that more records were on the way, but it is expected that redactions will continue to shield victims' identities and remove explicit material.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/viral-video-shows-mystery-objects-thrown-from-white-house-window-trump-blames-ai-wh-calls-it-maintenance-who-s-lying-1756876076770">Trump blames AI for viral video of mystery objects thrown from White House window, WH says ‘maintenance’. Who's lying?</a>For now, the public is left with thousands of pages that raise more questions than answers. Whether this drip-feed of blacked-out documents will satisfy those demanding accountability — or simply deepen suspicions — remains to be seen. &nbsp;

The US House Oversight Committee has released the first batch of over 33,000 pages of records from its probe into Jeffrey Epstein, claiming "full transparency." However, many of the documents are heavily redacted, with some pages almost entirely blacked out.

The US House Oversight Committee on Tuesday (Sep 2) dropped the first batch of Jeffrey Epstein records online, touting "full transparency". In reality, what hit the website was more than 33,000 pages, many of which were heavily redacted documents — some almost entire pages blacked out — leaving critics to wonder if this was accountability or just a political pacifier. After releasing the latest batch of Epstein files, committee chairperson James Comer, a Republican, promised Americans "full transparency". Redacted documents and full transparency "We're in the process of uploading those documents for full transparency so everyone in America can see those documents," said Comer. He added that the release was "going as quick as we can get them uploaded" and that they want the files to be public "as soon as possible." But as many pointed out, what good is transparency if much of the content is unreadable? Also read | Jeffrey Epstein files released: 33,000 pages posted online for all to see. Here's what we know Epstein, the disgraced financier with friends in politics, Hollywood and finance, died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death — officially ruled a suicide — only fuelled conspiracy theories, especially among Donald Trump's MAGA supporters, who have long claimed that Democratic elites were being shielded while Trump himself was unfairly smeared. The FBI and Justice Department previously said Epstein left no "client list," no blackmail trove, and no evidence of compromising prominent figures. That conclusion infuriated many in Trump's base, who remain convinced there is more to the story. Also read | Trump's wannabe assassin Ryan Wesley Routh issues insane golf challenge: 'He wins, execute me, if I win...' Epstein's file drop has old documents? Tuesday's release doesn't appear to change much. Ranking Democrat Robert Garcia said most of the files were already public, adding that the redactions made it hard to see what was actually new. The committee did hear fresh closed-door testimony from Epstein and Maxwell's victims, which Garcia described as "horrific and infuriating." The Justice Department said that more records were on the way, but it is expected that redactions will continue to shield victims' identities and remove explicit material. Also read | Trump blames AI for viral video of mystery objects thrown from White House window, WH says ‘maintenance’. Who's lying? For now, the public is left with thousands of pages that raise more questions than answers. Whether this drip-feed of blacked-out documents will satisfy those demanding accountability — or simply deepen suspicions — remains to be seen.

The US House Oversight Committee has released the first batch of over 33,000 pages of records from its probe into Jeffrey Epstein, claiming "full transparency." However, many of the documents are heavily redacted, with some pages almost entirely blacked out.

Epstein files: 33,000 pages released, yet they're heavily redacted. 'Full transparency' or just a pacifier for MAGA?

A House of Representatives committee on Tuesday (Sep 2) released the first batch of records from its probe into Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender whose case continues to stir political controversy for US President Donald Trump. More than 33,000 pages tied to Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell have been posted on the House Oversight Committee's website after being handed over by the Justice Department. This comes after the committee had subpoenaed the US Justice Department for the Epstein files. Last month, the first batch of these documents was handed over.<h2>For full transparency</h2>Committee chairperson James Comer, in a statement, said, "We're in the process of uploading those documents for full transparency so everyone in America can see those documents," adding that the release was happening "as quick as we can get them uploaded." "We want those to be public as soon as possible."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/after-trump-elon-musk-dragged-into-epstein-scandal-as-ghislaine-maxwell-says-this-1756103832613">After Trump, Elon Musk dragged into Epstein scandal as Ghislaine Maxwell says this...</a><h2>What did the newly released Epstein files reveal?</h2>It is not yet clear what new information is contained in the documents made public on Tuesday. Thousands of the documents, as per AFP, are heavily redacted. Robert Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the House committee, noted that much of the material had already been made public in past releases.The Oversight Committee, in a statement, asserted that the documents have been redacted to protect "victim identities" and remove "any child sexual abuse material." It added that more records are expected in the coming weeks.On Tuesday, the committee also heard private testimony from several victims. "The stories were horrific and infuriating," said Garcia on X. "In the days and weeks ahead, we will be hearing more from these victims."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-latest-wild-plan-reopen-insane-asylums-like-joker-s-arkham-amid-his-crime-crackdown-here-s-what-he-said-1756784333958">Trump's latest wild plan: Reopen 'insane asylums' like Joker's Arkham amid his crime crackdown. Here's what he said</a>Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking underage girls. His death was ruled a suicide, but it has fuelled years of conspiracy theories and suspicions, particularly among supporters of President Donald Trump. Many believe powerful figures in politics and entertainment were shielded from scrutiny, while federal investigators in July rejected claims of a "client list" or blackmail scheme. &nbsp;

The House Oversight Committee has released the first batch of over 33,000 pages of records from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose case continues to fuel conspiracy theories. Here's what we know.

A House of Representatives committee on Tuesday (Sep 2) released the first batch of records from its probe into Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender whose case continues to stir political controversy for US President Donald Trump. More than 33,000 pages tied to Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell have been posted on the House Oversight Committee's website after being handed over by the Justice Department. This comes after the committee had subpoenaed the US Justice Department for the Epstein files. Last month, the first batch of these documents was handed over. For full transparency Committee chairperson James Comer, in a statement, said, "We're in the process of uploading those documents for full transparency so everyone in America can see those documents," adding that the release was happening "as quick as we can get them uploaded." "We want those to be public as soon as possible." Also read | After Trump, Elon Musk dragged into Epstein scandal as Ghislaine Maxwell says this... What did the newly released Epstein files reveal? It is not yet clear what new information is contained in the documents made public on Tuesday. Thousands of the documents, as per AFP, are heavily redacted. Robert Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the House committee, noted that much of the material had already been made public in past releases. The Oversight Committee, in a statement, asserted that the documents have been redacted to protect "victim identities" and remove "any child sexual abuse material." It added that more records are expected in the coming weeks. On Tuesday, the committee also heard private testimony from several victims. "The stories were horrific and infuriating," said Garcia on X. "In the days and weeks ahead, we will be hearing more from these victims." Also read | Trump's latest wild plan: Reopen 'insane asylums' like Joker's Arkham amid his crime crackdown. Here's what he said Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking underage girls. His death was ruled a suicide, but it has fuelled years of conspiracy theories and suspicions, particularly among supporters of President Donald Trump. Many believe powerful figures in politics and entertainment were shielded from scrutiny, while federal investigators in July rejected claims of a "client list" or blackmail scheme.

The House Oversight Committee has released the first batch of over 33,000 pages of records from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose case continues to fuel conspiracy theories. Here's what we know.

Jeffrey Epstein files released: 33,000 pages posted online for all to see. Here's what we know

The US Department of Justice on Friday (Aug 22) released transcript and audio of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's July interview with convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell. According to the tapes, Maxwell claimed that before she met late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, he had lived in London and was acquainted with prominent individuals, including Princess Diana’s close friend Rosa Monckton and her husband, journalist Dominic Lawson. Maxwell claimed that Epstein once attended a London event organized by Monckton, where he may have met or sat with Princess Diana. She speculated that Diana might have been set up on a date with Epstein.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/c-ghislaine-maxwell-says-epstein-client-list-is-a-myth-calls-prince-andrew-claims-not-conceivable-1755953242309">'There is no list': Ghislaine Maxwell says Epstein ‘client list’ is a myth</a>&nbsp;“I don't know if he sat with Diana or he met with Diana and he'd already met her. I don't know, but this, I believe was organised by Rosa,” she said, adding, “I don't know if she was being set up as a date for him, maybe because she—I don't want to speak bad of Diana, but—I'm not going to do that.” Maxwell’s timeline appeared inconsistent, as she believed the event occurred in the early 2000s, however Princess Diana died in a car crash in 1997. She also dismissed allegations that she had introduced Epstein to the royal family. This is not the first time Princess Diana has been mentioned in Epstein case. Earlier, author Michael Wolff claimed in his book that Epstein and US President Donald Trump had once competed over who would sleep with Diana first, though he doubted it ever happened.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ghislaine-maxwell-denies-trump-or-clinton-were-involved-in-epstein-s-crimes-1755920632458/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ghislaine-maxwell-denies-trump-or-clinton-were-involved-in-epstein-s-crimes-1755920632458/embed</a><h2>What more did Maxwell claim in her interview with DOJ</h2>Maxwell denied ever seeing Donald Trump behave inappropriately, calling him “cordial” and a “gentleman,” and refuted knowledge of any Epstein “client list” or blackmail scheme. Maxwell also rejected suggestions that she introduced Epstein to the British royals, calling such claims “a flat untruth.” She cast doubt on Epstein’s reported suicide, suggesting it may have been the result of inmate violence within the prison. Additionally, she denied any wrongdoing by other public figures like Bill Clinton, Elon Musk, or Prince Andrew. The DOJ granted her limited immunity for the interview, without offering leniency, and later transferred her to a lower-security prison, raising speculation about possible behind-the-scenes arrangements.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-she-should-have-a-life-sentence-at-least-us-house-speaker-mike-johnson-on-ghislaine-maxwell-1753674579811">'Ghislaine Maxwell should have a life sentence at least': US House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>

<h2>Questions raised over DOJ interview</h2>Concerns have emerged over the Blanche's interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, with speculation that President Donald Trump could be orchestrating a behind-the-scenes pardon deal. Speaking to CNN, Dave Aronberg, a former Palm Beach County state attorney and aide to Attorney General Pam Bondi, suggested the questioning might be designed to shield Trump from any association with Jeffrey Epstein. Aronberg questioned why Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche—Trump’s former defense lawyer and now the DOJ’s second-highest official—led the interview, calling it highly irregular. He raised the possibility of Maxwell receiving current immunity and a future “hidden pardon” in exchange for publicly clearing Trump of wrongdoing, adding, “Trump doesn’t want to be anywhere near this smoke.”&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghislaine-maxwell-moved-to-texas-prison-after-trump-s-nod-here-s-what-us-president-says-1754471226244">Ghislaine Maxwell moved to Texas prison after Trump's nod? Here's what US president says</a>

Ghislaine Maxwell claimed Epstein may have been set up on a date with Princess Diana by her friend Rosa Monckton. In DOJ tapes, she referenced a London event they both attended. Maxwell, serving 20 years for sex trafficking, is seeking a pardon from Trump. 

The US Department of Justice on Friday (Aug 22) released transcript and audio of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's July interview with convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell. According to the tapes, Maxwell claimed that before she met late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, he had lived in London and was acquainted with prominent individuals, including Princess Diana’s close friend Rosa Monckton and her husband, journalist Dominic Lawson. Maxwell claimed that Epstein once attended a London event organized by Monckton, where he may have met or sat with Princess Diana. She speculated that Diana might have been set up on a date with Epstein. Read More | 'There is no list': Ghislaine Maxwell says Epstein ‘client list’ is a myth “I don't know if he sat with Diana or he met with Diana and he'd already met her. I don't know, but this, I believe was organised by Rosa,” she said, adding, “I don't know if she was being set up as a date for him, maybe because she—I don't want to speak bad of Diana, but—I'm not going to do that.” Maxwell’s timeline appeared inconsistent, as she believed the event occurred in the early 2000s, however Princess Diana died in a car crash in 1997. She also dismissed allegations that she had introduced Epstein to the royal family. This is not the first time Princess Diana has been mentioned in Epstein case. Earlier, author Michael Wolff claimed in his book that Epstein and US President Donald Trump had once competed over who would sleep with Diana first, though he doubted it ever happened. https://www.wionews.com/videos/ghislaine-maxwell-denies-trump-or-clinton-were-involved-in-epstein-s-crimes-1755920632458/embed What more did Maxwell claim in her interview with DOJ Maxwell denied ever seeing Donald Trump behave inappropriately, calling him “cordial” and a “gentleman,” and refuted knowledge of any Epstein “client list” or blackmail scheme. Maxwell also rejected suggestions that she introduced Epstein to the British royals, calling such claims “a flat untruth.” She cast doubt on Epstein’s reported suicide, suggesting it may have been the result of inmate violence within the prison. Additionally, she denied any wrongdoing by other public figures like Bill Clinton, Elon Musk, or Prince Andrew. The DOJ granted her limited immunity for the interview, without offering leniency, and later transferred her to a lower-security prison, raising speculation about possible behind-the-scenes arrangements. Read More | 'Ghislaine Maxwell should have a life sentence at least': US House Speaker Mike Johnson

Ghislaine Maxwell claimed Epstein may have been set up on a date with Princess Diana by her friend Rosa Monckton. In DOJ tapes, she referenced a London event they both attended. Maxwell, serving 20 years for sex trafficking, is seeking a pardon from Trump.&nbsp;

'Being set up as a date...': Did Princess Diana meet Jeffrey Epstein? Ghislaine Maxwell sparks wild rumours

As Jeffrey Epstein still remains in the headlines days after the FBI 's final review, British historian and author Andrew Lownie stressed that US President Donald Trump, Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew of the British royal family, were all part of the same "little group". During the Daily Beast Podcast, Lownie shed light on how the trio came together.&nbsp;The British historian alleged that Trump and Andrew were in very much the same circles, adding that they "shared interests in gold, money and sex."&nbsp;“One of the diplomats at the New York consulate said that Andrew was always hanging around the consulate, basically looking to do things, trying to bring Epstein in on any of his business trips,” Lownie claimed during the podcast.&nbsp;“And I mean, they were shocked in the embassy when they were caught overheard talking about one of Trump’s favorite words, ‘p***y," Lownie added.&nbsp;He further alleged that Trump was swapping a list of masseurs with Andrew, saying that they shared a "pretty buddy-buddy relationship".&nbsp;“Of course, though, Trump has denied knowing anything about Andrew,” Lownie continued. “I mean, there’s plenty of photographic evidence with them together in New York, in Mar-a-Lago, and elsewhere, and indeed in London... They’re all distancing themselves, but they were all part of the same little group... So I don’t think anyone can deny these people were extremely close in a particular period at the beginning of the century.”&nbsp;Earlier, Lownie, in the biography of the Duke and Duchess of York, also alleged that Prince Andrew slept with more than a dozen women in the first year of his marriage to Sarah Ferguson, aka Fergie.&nbsp;Lownie's book claimed that Andrew has had sex with over 1,000 women. This includes adult film stars, political figures, and nightclub staff and bartenders. A 20-year-old model claims that he asked her to have "kinky sex" with him. He supposedly told her that he had an open marriage.&nbsp;In another claim, Lownie talks about the King of Thailand’s Diamond Jubilee in 2006, when Prince Andrew allegedly called for 40 women to be sent to his hotel room.&nbsp;

The British historian alleged that Trump and Andrew were in very much the same circles, adding that they “shared interests in gold, money and sex.”

As Jeffrey Epstein still remains in the headlines days after the FBI 's final review, British historian and author Andrew Lownie stressed that US President Donald Trump, Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew of the British royal family, were all part of the same "little group". During the Daily Beast Podcast, Lownie shed light on how the trio came together. The British historian alleged that Trump and Andrew were in very much the same circles, adding that they "shared interests in gold, money and sex." “One of the diplomats at the New York consulate said that Andrew was always hanging around the consulate, basically looking to do things, trying to bring Epstein in on any of his business trips,” Lownie claimed during the podcast. “And I mean, they were shocked in the embassy when they were caught overheard talking about one of Trump’s favorite words, ‘p***y," Lownie added. He further alleged that Trump was swapping a list of masseurs with Andrew, saying that they shared a "pretty buddy-buddy relationship". “Of course, though, Trump has denied knowing anything about Andrew,” Lownie continued. “I mean, there’s plenty of photographic evidence with them together in New York, in Mar-a-Lago, and elsewhere, and indeed in London... They’re all distancing themselves, but they were all part of the same little group... So I don’t think anyone can deny these people were extremely close in a particular period at the beginning of the century.” Earlier, Lownie, in the biography of the Duke and Duchess of York, also alleged that Prince Andrew slept with more than a dozen women in the first year of his marriage to Sarah Ferguson, aka Fergie. Lownie's book claimed that Andrew has had sex with over 1,000 women. This includes adult film stars, political figures, and nightclub staff and bartenders. A 20-year-old model claims that he asked her to have "kinky sex" with him. He supposedly told her that he had an open marriage. In another claim, Lownie talks about the King of Thailand’s Diamond Jubilee in 2006, when Prince Andrew allegedly called for 40 women to be sent to his hotel room.

The British historian alleged that Trump and Andrew were in very much the same circles, adding that they “shared interests in gold, money and sex.”

'Gold, money and sex': Trump, Epstein, Prince Andrew, all part of same 'little group' - Here's what British historian claims

Jeffrey Epstein's former butler has made a shocking (or maybe not so shocking) revelation about US President Donald Trump. He claims that during his first presidency, Trump offered Epstein, who had already been convicted for soliciting sex trafficking of a teenage girl, a job in his government. The Republican in his current term has been known to add his friends and allies to his government, like putting Elon Musk, a citizen of South Africa and Canada, along with the US, in charge of DOGE. Even as Trump tries to distance himself from Epstein, the years-long friendship the two men shared seems to keep coming back to haunt him.&nbsp;<h2>Epstein in the Trump 1.0 government?</h2>In a no-holds-barred interview with The Telegraph, Valdson Vieira Cotrin, who was sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's butler for 18 years, in charge of managing his Paris estate, recalled how the disgraced financier was offered a job in Trump's first government.&nbsp;Recalling an incident from 2016, he said he went to pick up Epstein from Paris airport, and on the way back, he got to know about the peculiar job offer. "A few days after Trump’s election, Mr. Epstein arrived in Paris on Monday or Tuesday, and I went to pick him up at the airport," said Cotrin. "He said, 'Valdson, you saw that Trump is the new US president?' 'Yes,' I replied, 'I saw it on the news in Paris'."&nbsp;Epstein then apparently confessed that "Trump asked me to work for him in the new government." However, Epstein turned down the offer. "I said, 'Congratulations. I'm happy for you,' in my bad English. He said, 'No, I didn't accept'." His answer came as a surprise to the butler, who thought working in the US administration would have been "interesting".&nbsp;<h2>How close were Trump and Epstein?</h2>Trump claims that he threw Epstein out of the Mar-a-Lago club after the financier "stole" his employees. As per the Miami Herald and Wall Street Journal, this supposedly happened in 2007. It must be noted that when Trump won his first presidency, Epstein had already been convicted for soliciting a teenage girl for prostitution. He had also served a 13-month prison sentence.Read more | '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-are-you-kidding-me-new-photos-suggest-epstein-trump-ties-go-back-decades-here-s-how-he-responded-1753262514825">Are you kidding me?': New photos suggest Epstein-Trump ties go back decades — Here's how he responded</a>Epstein's butler's comments come as Trump faces heat from his Make America Great Again (MAGA) followers over the Epstein files after backtracking on his promise to release more information.Reports suggest that Trump and Epstein's relationship stretches back to at least the 1980s, according to multiple reports. They were often spotted together at events in both Palm Beach and New York. In 2002, Trump even offered a quote to New York Magazine, describing Epstein as a "terrific guy" who "likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side." However, no criminal accusations have been levelled against Trump in connection with Epstein. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a no-holds-barred interview, Valdson Vieira Cotrin, who was sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's butler for 18 years, claimed that the disgraced financier was offered a job in Trump's first government.

Jeffrey Epstein's former butler has made a shocking (or maybe not so shocking) revelation about US President Donald Trump. He claims that during his first presidency, Trump offered Epstein, who had already been convicted for soliciting sex trafficking of a teenage girl, a job in his government. The Republican in his current term has been known to add his friends and allies to his government, like putting Elon Musk, a citizen of South Africa and Canada, along with the US, in charge of DOGE. Even as Trump tries to distance himself from Epstein, the years-long friendship the two men shared seems to keep coming back to haunt him. Epstein in the Trump 1.0 government? In a no-holds-barred interview with The Telegraph, Valdson Vieira Cotrin, who was sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's butler for 18 years, in charge of managing his Paris estate, recalled how the disgraced financier was offered a job in Trump's first government. Recalling an incident from 2016, he said he went to pick up Epstein from Paris airport, and on the way back, he got to know about the peculiar job offer. "A few days after Trump’s election, Mr. Epstein arrived in Paris on Monday or Tuesday, and I went to pick him up at the airport," said Cotrin. "He said, 'Valdson, you saw that Trump is the new US president?' 'Yes,' I replied, 'I saw it on the news in Paris'." Epstein then apparently confessed that "Trump asked me to work for him in the new government." However, Epstein turned down the offer. "I said, 'Congratulations. I'm happy for you,' in my bad English. He said, 'No, I didn't accept'." His answer came as a surprise to the butler, who thought working in the US administration would have been "interesting". How close were Trump and Epstein? Trump claims that he threw Epstein out of the Mar-a-Lago club after the financier "stole" his employees. As per the Miami Herald and Wall Street Journal, this supposedly happened in 2007. It must be noted that when Trump won his first presidency, Epstein had already been convicted for soliciting a teenage girl for prostitution. He had also served a 13-month prison sentence. Read more | 'Are you kidding me?': New photos suggest Epstein-Trump ties go back decades — Here's how he responded Epstein's butler's comments come as Trump faces heat from his Make America Great Again (MAGA) followers over the Epstein files after backtracking on his promise to release more information. Reports suggest that Trump and Epstein's relationship stretches back to at least the 1980s, according to multiple reports. They were often spotted together at events in both Palm Beach and New York. In 2002, Trump even offered a quote to New York Magazine, describing Epstein as a "terrific guy" who "likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side." However, no criminal accusations have been levelled against Trump in connection with Epstein.

In a no-holds-barred interview, Valdson Vieira Cotrin, who was sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's butler for 18 years, claimed that the disgraced financier was offered a job in Trump's first government.

Epstein in White House? Sex offender's former butler claims Trump made him a job offer after 2016 win

US President Donald Trump, once again dodged the claims of his involvement in the Epstein Files and called out Bill Clinton. When reporters asked him about the Epstein Files, the American president said, "You ought to be talking about Bill Clinton. Who went to the island 28 times. I never went to the island." When a reporter asked him if he wrote a letter to Jeffrey Epstein, Trump said, “I don't even know what they are talking about. Now, anybody could have written the letter and used my name. That's happened a lot.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨BREAKING: President Trump just REMOVED THE GLOVES on the Epstein haox, calling out BILL CLINTON! &quot;You ought to be talking about Bill Clinton, who went to the island 28 times. I never went to the island.&quot; Trump is playing the FAKE NEWS like a FIDDLE! <a href="https://t.co/ZR9FLxupns">pic.twitter.com/ZR9FLxupns</a>&mdash; Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoLoudon/status/1948742620051583395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Hasn't thought about pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell&nbsp;Trump also said that he hasn’t thought about pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned former girlfriend of financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking to reporters on the White House South Lawn as he departed for Scotland, Trump said he’s allowed to do it but hasn’t considered granting a pardon to Maxwell.&nbsp;Trump added that he “certainly can’t talk about pardons now.” The Justice Department’s No. 2 official met with Maxwell on Thursday as the department promises transparency following backlash over an earlier refusal to release more records in the Epstein investigation.&nbsp;'Hamas didn't really want to make a deal'&nbsp;Trump also talked about the Israel-Hamas war and said, “Hamas didn't really want to make a deal. I think they want to die. They're gonna have to finish the job. They're gonna have to fight and they're gonna have to clean it up. You're gonna have to get rid of it.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is going to Scotland as his family business gets ready for the August 13 opening of a new golf course in Aberdeenshire that is advertised as “the greatest 36 holes in golf.” While in the United Kingdom, Trump will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss trade, he has said a meeting will occur at “probably one of my properties”.&nbsp;The US president also talked about the decision by France's Emmanuel Macron to recognise a Palestinian state as pointless. “He's a very good guy, I like him, but that statement doesn't carry weight.” South Park grills Trump over Epstein files&nbsp;The American animated series - South Park - returned on TV after 2.5 years on Wednesday (July 23) with Season 27. But what grabbed eyeballs was the premiere of its first episode that showed US President Donald Trump in bed with Satan. This holds significance as the American president is facing trouble amid the investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein sexual offence cases. The key theme of the series included government censorship, the death of wokeness, ChatGPT, and religion in the nation’s public schools, The Hollywood Reporter reported. The primer was titled Sermon on the Mount and showed Cartman upset over his favourite radio show coming to an end, NPR. Amid this, Donald Trump was busy scaring his enemies to notice what was happening around, as reported by Variety. Further, the primer showed Trump in the Oval Office in a heated argument with Canada's Prime Minister. The Canadian president was seen asking in the premiere, "Why are you placing these new tariffs on Canada? What are you, some kind of dictator from the Middle East?”&nbsp;

Donald Trump continues rejecting his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein case as he told reporters that they must be talking about Bill Clinton, who went to the island 28 times. 

US President Donald Trump, once again dodged the claims of his involvement in the Epstein Files and called out Bill Clinton. When reporters asked him about the Epstein Files, the American president said, "You ought to be talking about Bill Clinton. Who went to the island 28 times. I never went to the island." When a reporter asked him if he wrote a letter to Jeffrey Epstein, Trump said, “I don't even know what they are talking about. Now, anybody could have written the letter and used my name. That's happened a lot.”

Donald Trump continues rejecting his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein case as he told reporters that they must be talking about Bill Clinton, who went to the island 28 times.&nbsp;

‘You ought to be talking about BILL CLINTON! I NEVER went to the island’: Trump on Epstein Files

A report from the New York Times shows that in the winter of 1997, Donald Trump sent a book, ‘Trump: The Art of the Comeback’, written by him, to his friend Jeffrey Epstein with a heartfelt note, “To Jeff — You are the greatest!”Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein had been close friends, with the duo being together till 2004, when there was a fallout between the two. He then ousted him from the Mar-a-Lago club, which is at the centre of the sex trafficking scandal.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump's October 97 admiring note to Jeffrey Epstein

Mr Trump has previously sued the Wall Street Journal for defamation after a report claiming that Mr Trump signed the note and the drawing in the book. The WSJ report described the drawing as an outline of a woman and Mr Trump's signature as the pubic hair.Another report by the Wall Street Journal reveals that US President Donald Trump and former US President Bill Clinton were among the 50 people who sent a letter to the disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday on a leather-bound book in 2003. There were other notable names like Leslie H. Wexner, then the owner of Victoria’s Secret and other retailers; Alan C. Greenberg, owner of Wall Street firm Bear Stearns; and physicist Murray Gell-Mann.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump has been trying to douse the fire of the Epstein Files repeatedly, but new revelations linking him and the late sex trafficker keep popping up now and then. The controversy around the book is accelerating fast, according to sources quoted by the NYT, the book is currently in the possession of Mr. Epstein’s estate, and Representative Ro Khanna.

A Wall Street Journal report reveals that Bill Clinton and Donald Trump were among the people who are on the contributors list for a book celebrating the birthday of the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

A report from the New York Times shows that in the winter of 1997, Donald Trump sent a book, ‘Trump: The Art of the Comeback’, written by him, to his friend Jeffrey Epstein with a heartfelt note, “To Jeff — You are the greatest!” Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein had been close friends, with the duo being together till 2004, when there was a fallout between the two. He then ousted him from the Mar-a-Lago club, which is at the centre of the sex trafficking scandal.

A Wall Street Journal report reveals that Bill Clinton and Donald Trump were among the people who are on the contributors list for a book celebrating the birthday of the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

'You are the greatest': Trump's October 97 admiring note to Jeffrey Epstein

The American animated series - South Park - returned on TV after 2.5 years on Wednesday (July 23) with Season 27. But what grabbed eyeballs was the premiere of its first episode that showed US President Donald Trump in bed with Satan. This holds significance as the American president is facing trouble amid the investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein sexual offence cases. The key theme of the series included government censorship, the death of wokeness, ChatGPT, and religion in the nation’s public schools, The Hollywood Reporter reported.&nbsp;The primer was titled Sermon on the Mount and showed Cartman upset over his favourite radio show coming to an end, NPR. Amid this, Donald Trump was busy scaring his enemies to notice what was happening around, as reported by Variety. Further, the primer showed Trump in the Oval Office in a heated argument with Canada's Prime Minister. The Canadian president was seen asking in the premiere, "Why are you placing these new tariffs on Canada? What are you, some kind of dictator from the Middle East?”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-macron-sues-a-us-podcaster-over-claim-france-s-first-lady-was-born-male-1753338537182/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-macron-sues-a-us-podcaster-over-claim-france-s-first-lady-was-born-male-1753338537182/embed</a>&nbsp;Trump responded to this saying, ”You don’t want me to bomb you like I did Iraq!” The show then showed a few months later, Trump naked in bed with Satan, insinuating that he sleeps with him. “Come on, Satan, I’ve been working hard all day," Trump said to Satan in the prime of the show. The devil snapped at him and said, “You haven’t been working! You’ve been doing your stupid memes and just fucking around.” Then Trump was seen pulling the blanket to show his comically small genitals. "I can’t even see anything, it’s so small," the Satan was seen saying.&nbsp;Furthermore, the series showed Trump coming back to bed with Satan, where the devil asked about his name appearing in the "Epstein list". Satan said, “It’s weird that whenever it comes up, you just tell everyone to relax.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The American animated series South Park returned after 2.5 years on TV and showed Donald Trump in bed with Satan. This came amid the Jeffery Epstein file probe in which the US president is also mentioned. 

The American animated series - South Park - returned on TV after 2.5 years on Wednesday (July 23) with Season 27. But what grabbed eyeballs was the premiere of its first episode that showed US President Donald Trump in bed with Satan. This holds significance as the American president is facing trouble amid the investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein sexual offence cases. The key theme of the series included government censorship, the death of wokeness, ChatGPT, and religion in the nation’s public schools, The Hollywood Reporter reported. The primer was titled Sermon on the Mount and showed Cartman upset over his favourite radio show coming to an end, NPR. Amid this, Donald Trump was busy scaring his enemies to notice what was happening around, as reported by Variety. Further, the primer showed Trump in the Oval Office in a heated argument with Canada's Prime Minister. The Canadian president was seen asking in the premiere, "Why are you placing these new tariffs on Canada? What are you, some kind of dictator from the Middle East?” https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-macron-sues-a-us-podcaster-over-claim-france-s-first-lady-was-born-male-1753338537182/embed Trump responded to this saying, ”You don’t want me to bomb you like I did Iraq!” The show then showed a few months later, Trump naked in bed with Satan, insinuating that he sleeps with him. “Come on, Satan, I’ve been working hard all day," Trump said to Satan in the prime of the show. The devil snapped at him and said, “You haven’t been working! You’ve been doing your stupid memes and just fucking around.” Then Trump was seen pulling the blanket to show his comically small genitals. "I can’t even see anything, it’s so small," the Satan was seen saying. Furthermore, the series showed Trump coming back to bed with Satan, where the devil asked about his name appearing in the "Epstein list". Satan said, “It’s weird that whenever it comes up, you just tell everyone to relax.”

The American animated series South Park returned after 2.5 years on TV and showed Donald Trump in bed with Satan. This came amid the Jeffrey Epstein file probe in which the US president is also mentioned.&nbsp;

South Park shows Trump naked in bed with Satan amid Epstein files probe

Amid the Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking investigation, a latest report has revealed that the US President Donald Trump was informed in May only that his name was in the files multiple times. As per The Wall Street Journal report, Attorney General Pam Bondi had informed Trump about it during a meeting at the White House. However, the White House has rejected the report by calling it a "fake news."&nbsp;White House spokesman Steven Cheung had said the reports were “nothing more than a continuation of the fake news stories concocted by the Democrats and the liberal media." The report further added that Trump was told that senior Justice Department officials did not plan to release any more Epstein documents, because the material contained child pornography and victims’ personal information.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-macron-sues-a-us-podcaster-over-claim-france-s-first-lady-was-born-male-1753338537182/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-macron-sues-a-us-podcaster-over-claim-france-s-first-lady-was-born-male-1753338537182/embed</a>&nbsp;The report came after the US president told a journalist that Bondi did not inform him of his name in the files. As per the report, Bondi and her deputy told Trump that many other high-profile figures were also named in the files. But, as per CNN, the conversation was characterised as a “routine briefing" that covered the scope of the Justice Department’s findings. “The White House is not surprised by this. Trump’s name was present in the binders that Bondi produced and handed out," a White House official told CNN. "The White House does not view this as groundbreaking or new or surprising at all," the official added. Now, after the WSJ report, Trump's attorney Pam Bondi is now facing Democratic calls to testify before Congress. Senator Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, reacted to the report and called out Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Associated Press (AP) reported.&nbsp;“We need to bring Bondi and Patel into the Judiciary Committee to testify about this now," he wrote on the social media platform X.&nbsp;

Amid the Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking investigation, a latest report has revealed that the US President Donald Trump was informed in May only that his name was in the files multiple times. But the White House has rejected the report by calling it fake.  

Amid the Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking investigation, a latest report has revealed that the US President Donald Trump was informed in May only that his name was in the files multiple times. As per The Wall Street Journal report, Attorney General Pam Bondi had informed Trump about it during a meeting at the White House. However, the White House has rejected the report by calling it a "fake news." White House spokesman Steven Cheung had said the reports were “nothing more than a continuation of the fake news stories concocted by the Democrats and the liberal media." The report further added that Trump was told that senior Justice Department officials did not plan to release any more Epstein documents, because the material contained child pornography and victims’ personal information. https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-macron-sues-a-us-podcaster-over-claim-france-s-first-lady-was-born-male-1753338537182/embed The report came after the US president told a journalist that Bondi did not inform him of his name in the files. As per the report, Bondi and her deputy told Trump that many other high-profile figures were also named in the files. But, as per CNN, the conversation was characterised as a “routine briefing" that covered the scope of the Justice Department’s findings. “The White House is not surprised by this. Trump’s name was present in the binders that Bondi produced and handed out," a White House official told CNN. "The White House does not view this as groundbreaking or new or surprising at all," the official added. Now, after the WSJ report, Trump's attorney Pam Bondi is now facing Democratic calls to testify before Congress. Senator Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, reacted to the report and called out Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Associated Press (AP) reported. “We need to bring Bondi and Patel into the Judiciary Committee to testify about this now," he wrote on the social media platform X.

Amid the Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking investigation, a latest report has revealed that the US President Donald Trump was informed in May only that his name was in the files multiple times. But the White House has rejected the report by calling it “fake."&nbsp;

'Fake news, not surprised': White House reacts to reports that Pam Bondi informed Trump about his name in Epstein files

The US Justice Department informed Donald Trump that his name appears several times in official documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly told Trump during a White House meeting in May that his name was mentioned, alongside others, in material that included “unverified hearsay” about individuals who had previously socialised with Epstein.A senior official told the Journal that “hundreds of names” are included in the files, and that a mention does not imply any wrongdoing. White House communications director Steven Cheung dismissed the report, calling it “another fake news story”.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-24-to-48-hour-ceasefires-prisoners-swap-ukraine-russia-conclude-peace-talks-in-istanbul-as-kyiv-pushes-for-zelensky-putin-meeting-1753299653042">'24 to 48-hour ceasefires, prisoners swap': Ukraine, Russia conclude peace talks in Istanbul as Kyiv pushes for Zelensky-Putin meeting</a><h2>Trump’s past links to Epstein</h2>Trump’s relationship with Epstein has long drawn scrutiny. In 2002, he told New York Magazine, “I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy… He likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.” The Journal also revealed that Trump once wrote Epstein a salacious birthday note, a claim he has denied. Trump has since sued the publication. Last month, Elon Musk posted on X that Trump “is in the Epstein files,” suggesting that was the reason they hadn’t been made public. “Have a nice day, DJT!” Musk added.<h2>MAGA backlash grows over Epstein files</h2>The Justice Department’s decision to close its internal review into Epstein earlier this month has sparked backlash among Trump’s own supporters. In a July 6 memo, the DOJ confirmed Epstein had died by suicide and declined to release further material. That announcement triggered anger within Republican circles, who had hoped for more transparency after Trump promised on the campaign trail to declassify files related to the case.Earlier this year, Bondi said she had a “truckload” of documents to review and that a “client list” was sitting on her desk. She released “Phase 1” of the files in February, containing mostly public documents.<h2>Judge blocks move to unseal Florida grand jury records</h2>Amid public pressure, Trump had asked Bondi to make any “pertinent” grand jury transcripts public. Bondi then approached judges overseeing both the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases. However, on Wednesday, a federal judge in Florida rejected the administration’s request to unseal grand jury records from Epstein’s 2000s-era investigation in the state.Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has since announced that officials plan to meet with Maxwell “in the coming days”. The House Oversight Committee also approved a subpoena for Maxwell, to which Trump responded: “Sounds appropriate.”ABC News asked Trump whether Bondi had told him about his name being in the files. “No, no,” he replied, while praising her handling of the case.

The Justice Department’s decision to close its internal review into Epstein earlier this month has sparked backlash among Trump’s own supporters. In a July 6 memo, the DOJ confirmed Epstein had died by suicide and declined to release further material. 

The US Justice Department informed Donald Trump that his name appears several times in official documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly told Trump during a White House meeting in May that his name was mentioned, alongside others, in material that included “unverified hearsay” about individuals who had previously socialised with Epstein. A senior official told the Journal that “hundreds of names” are included in the files, and that a mention does not imply any wrongdoing. White House communications director Steven Cheung dismissed the report, calling it “another fake news story”. Also read: '24 to 48-hour ceasefires, prisoners swap': Ukraine, Russia conclude peace talks in Istanbul as Kyiv pushes for Zelensky-Putin meeting Trump’s past links to Epstein Trump’s relationship with Epstein has long drawn scrutiny. In 2002, he told New York Magazine, “I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy… He likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.” The Journal also revealed that Trump once wrote Epstein a salacious birthday note, a claim he has denied. Trump has since sued the publication. Last month, Elon Musk posted on X that Trump “is in the Epstein files,” suggesting that was the reason they hadn’t been made public. “Have a nice day, DJT!” Musk added. MAGA backlash grows over Epstein files The Justice Department’s decision to close its internal review into Epstein earlier this month has sparked backlash among Trump’s own supporters. In a July 6 memo, the DOJ confirmed Epstein had died by suicide and declined to release further material. That announcement triggered anger within Republican circles, who had hoped for more transparency after Trump promised on the campaign trail to declassify files related to the case. Earlier this year, Bondi said she had a “truckload” of documents to review and that a “client list” was sitting on her desk. She released “Phase 1” of the files in February, containing mostly public documents. Judge blocks move to unseal Florida grand jury records Amid public pressure, Trump had asked Bondi to make any “pertinent” grand jury transcripts public. Bondi then approached judges overseeing both the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases. However, on Wednesday, a federal judge in Florida rejected the administration’s request to unseal grand jury records from Epstein’s 2000s-era investigation in the state. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has since announced that officials plan to meet with Maxwell “in the coming days”. The House Oversight Committee also approved a subpoena for Maxwell, to which Trump responded: “Sounds appropriate.” ABC News asked Trump whether Bondi had told him about his name being in the files. “No, no,” he replied, while praising her handling of the case.

The Justice Department’s decision to close its internal review into Epstein earlier this month has sparked backlash among Trump’s own supporters. In a July 6 memo, the DOJ confirmed Epstein had died by suicide and declined to release further material.&nbsp;

Trump’s name appears 'multiple times' in Epstein files? Report reveals DOJ told US president his name among 'hundreds' linked to Jeffrey Epstein

Bombshell archival photos from the early 1990s released on Tuesday (Jul 22) have once again brought to the fore the alleged ties between US President Donald Trump and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The photos made public by CNN's KFile service show the disgraced financier Epstein at Trump's 1993 wedding to Marla Maples. The revelation comes amid uproar over the Epstein files and as Trump attempts to distance himself from the child sex offender. While Trump has yet to formally address the bombshell photos on Truth Social (per his usual fashion) or elsewhere, in a brief call with the news organisation as per the report, all he had to say was, "Are you kidding me?" &nbsp;His team, however, has quite a bit to say.<h2>How did Trump respond to photo proof of his old ties with Epstein?</h2>Trump, a prominent figure in 1993 and now, had no dearth of big names at any of his three weddings. The ceremony for his second marriage to Marla Maples was held at Manhattan's iconic Plaza Hotel and was attended by a ton of celebrity guests. However, until now, Epstein's attendance hadn't been widely documented or publicly known.As per the CNN report, the new organisation contacted Trump about the photos, and all the US President had to say was, "You've got to be kidding me," and called the outlet “fake news” before hanging up. Meanwhile, later, in a statement, White House spokesperson Steven Cheung offered a more formal rebuttal, calling the images "nothing more than out-of-context frame grabs of innocuous videos and pictures of widely attended events". He insisted that the pictures were being used "to disgustingly infer something nefarious". He insisted that “the fact is that the president kicked him out of his club for being a creep. This is nothing more than a continuation of the fake news stories concocted by the Democrats and the liberal media.”Reports suggest that Trump and Epstein's relationship stretches back to at least the 1980s, according to multiple reports. They were often spotted together at events in both Palm Beach and New York. In 2002, Trump even offered a quote to New York Magazine, describing Epstein as a "terrific guy" who "likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side." However, no criminal accusations have been levelled against Trump in connection with Epstein.

While Trump has yet to formally address the bombshell photos on Truth Social (per his usual fashion) or elsewhere, in a brief call with the news organisation as per the report, all he had to say was, "Are you kidding me?"  His team, however, has quite a bit to say. All you need to know.

Bombshell archival photos from the early 1990s released on Tuesday (Jul 22) have once again brought to the fore the alleged ties between US President Donald Trump and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The photos made public by CNN's KFile service show the disgraced financier Epstein at Trump's 1993 wedding to Marla Maples. The revelation comes amid uproar over the Epstein files and as Trump attempts to distance himself from the child sex offender. While Trump has yet to formally address the bombshell photos on Truth Social (per his usual fashion) or elsewhere, in a brief call with the news organisation as per the report, all he had to say was, "Are you kidding me?" His team, however, has quite a bit to say. How did Trump respond to photo proof of his old ties with Epstein? Trump, a prominent figure in 1993 and now, had no dearth of big names at any of his three weddings. The ceremony for his second marriage to Marla Maples was held at Manhattan's iconic Plaza Hotel and was attended by a ton of celebrity guests. However, until now, Epstein's attendance hadn't been widely documented or publicly known. As per the CNN report, the new organisation contacted Trump about the photos, and all the US President had to say was, "You've got to be kidding me," and called the outlet “fake news” before hanging up. Meanwhile, later, in a statement, White House spokesperson Steven Cheung offered a more formal rebuttal, calling the images "nothing more than out-of-context frame grabs of innocuous videos and pictures of widely attended events". He insisted that the pictures were being used "to disgustingly infer something nefarious". He insisted that “the fact is that the president kicked him out of his club for being a creep. This is nothing more than a continuation of the fake news stories concocted by the Democrats and the liberal media.” Reports suggest that Trump and Epstein's relationship stretches back to at least the 1980s, according to multiple reports. They were often spotted together at events in both Palm Beach and New York. In 2002, Trump even offered a quote to New York Magazine, describing Epstein as a "terrific guy" who "likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side." However, no criminal accusations have been levelled against Trump in connection with Epstein.

While Trump has yet to formally address the bombshell photos on Truth Social (per his usual fashion) or elsewhere, in a brief call with the news organisation as per the report, all he had to say was, "Are you kidding me?" &nbsp;His team, however, has quite a bit to say. All you need to know.

'Are you kidding me?': New photos suggest Epstein-Trump ties go back decades — Here's how he responded