DOJ Addresses Untrue Claims About Trump in Epstein File Release Amid Controversy
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has stated that some documents released as part of the Epstein Files contain untrue and sensationalist claims about former President Donald Trump. These unfounded and false claims were reportedly received by the FBI ahead of the 2020 election. An email from a Southern District of New York (SDNY) prosecutor dated January 7, 2020, alleged that Trump flew on billionaire Jeffrey Epstein's private jet at least eight times during the 1990s, with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell accompanying Trump on some flights. Two of these flights included passengers who were possible witnesses in a Maxwell case.
The documents also contained tips to the FBI about Trump’s alleged involvement with Epstein into the early 2000s. It remains unclear whether any of this information was corroborated or used in prosecutions, and Trump has stated that he ended his friendship with Epstein prior to any charges being filed. Among the materials is a letter Epstein purportedly wrote to former physician Larry Nassar after Epstein's death that referenced Trump; the letter's authenticity is unknown, and the FBI has requested handwriting analysis.
Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of trafficking minors, while Epstein died by suicide in 2019. These new documents were released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates disclosure but allows withholding information about potential victims or material that could jeopardize ongoing investigations or national defense. The Act explicitly directs the DOJ not to redact details injurious to high-profile individuals.
The batch of documents also includes a posthumous Clinton-related item: photos of Bill Clinton and a redacted woman. Clinton's team has demanded their full release, and prosecutors have stated that Clinton's name has been repeatedly cleared.
Critics have raised concerns about excessive redactions and missed deadlines for the document releases. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche cited established laws permitting deadline extensions due to other legal requirements. The DOJ has indicated that more files will be forthcoming by the new year. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the DOJ for allegedly violating legal requirements by redacting information in the Epstein file release.
