Democrats Release Epstein Island Photos as House Debates Transparency of Files
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have released 19 previously unseen photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s island and estate in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The images reportedly include former President Donald Trump and other public figures.
This release comes ahead of an imminent Department of Justice (DOJ) file publication mandated by a transparency bill signed by Trump, which requires the DOJ to publish hundreds of thousands of Epstein-related records within 30 days. However, the White House characterized the Epstein matter as a Democrat hoax.
Republicans have criticized Democrats for not disclosing the files sooner, arguing that they had four years under President Biden's administration to release or reveal damaging information about Trump but failed to do so. Speaker Mike Johnson also faced accusations of delaying votes on Epstein transparency legislation, although he countered by noting Democrats had ample time to act.
Against these criticisms, Rep. Jamie Raskin stated that claims of Democratic inconsistency are detached from reality. He cited investigations into then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions' handling of a 2008 Epstein plea deal and alleged that Trump obstructed the federal probe into Epstein’s co-conspirators by redactions. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reiterated a call for full transparency and truth regarding Epstein's connections.
Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Comer accused Oversight Democrats of selectively releasing Epstein island files to chase headlines, describing their actions as dishonest.
The DOJ previously limited disclosures of Epstein-related materials citing court orders and concerns over victim privacy. Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered a review of Epstein’s connections to Democrats, including Bill Clinton and Trump, at the latter's direction. Some Trump allies previously claimed the existence of incriminating, nonpublic Epstein files, such as lists of alleged pedophiles; FBI Director Kash Patel suggested the government was withholding "Epstein’s list."
