Trump Criticizes Release of Epstein Files, Expresses Concern for Innocent Associates
On 22 December 2025, former President Donald Trump commented at Mar-a-Lago regarding the Department of Justice's release of Epstein files, which has put several individuals under scrutiny. Trump criticized the release, suggesting that Democrats and some Republicans are behind the disclosures, and implied that his own photos might be included among the documents.
Trump expressed sympathy for people who innocently met Jeffrey Epstein, warning that their reputations could be damaged by the released images. He cited Larry Summers, a prominent figure who faced attention due to email exchanges with Epstein and subsequently stepped back from public life. Trump framed the release of the Epstein files as a distraction from Republican achievements, highlighting progress such as naval shipbuilding.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA), passed nearly unanimously and signed by Trump, mandated the complete release of Epstein files by the prior Friday, but as of now, only one batch has been made public. Epstein died in 2019 in a New York jail cell while awaiting a sex-trafficking trial; his death was ruled a suicide.
Clinton's spokesperson Angel Urena called on the DOJ to release the remaining materials related to Bill Clinton, criticizing the selective releases as an effort to protect someone.
