Trump administration releases Epstein files after months of wrangling and public outcry - live
The US justice department releases Epstein files amid political controversy and scrutiny over Trump's links to Epstein.
SUMMARY
The US Justice Department released the Epstein files after months of political disputes and public outcry, focusing on Donald Trump's connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Some documents may be withheld temporarily to protect victims. House Democrats criticized the delay as illegal and promised legal action. The scandal has affected Trump's presidency and conservative support, with no evidence implicating Trump in Epstein's crimes.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- US Justice Department releases Epstein files after months of delay and controversy.
- House Democrats condemn the delay as a violation of federal law and vow legal action.
- Documents focus on Trump's relationship with Epstein, who died awaiting trial in 2019.
- No evidence implicates Trump in Epstein's trafficking operation.
CORE SUBJECT
Release of Epstein files and Trump's connection
The US justice department has released the long-awaited "Epstein files", after months of political wrangling, a popular furor and repeated attempts to deflect scrutiny over Donald Trump's links to the late sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The release comes after deputy attorney general Todd Blanche said that the justice department would release "several hundred thousand documents" from the Epstein files on Friday but hinted that some may be held back - at least temporarily - citing the need to protect victims.
"I expect that we're going to release more documents over the next couple of weeks," he added.
House Democrats, led by Robert Garcia and Jamie Raskin, condemned the Trump administration's delay to release all of the Epstein files as a violation of federal law and vowed to pursue legal options.
The scandal has dominated Washington for months, dogging the US president since his return to the White House for a second term, splintering his conservative base and spurring accusations of an attempted "cover-up" from across the political spectrum.
Some of the most sought-after material will pertain to the president's relationship with Epstein, who killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges in 2019. Trump and Epstein were close friends for years before falling out.
Trump is not accused of any wrongdoing. But concerns have been raised about how, why and when his relationship with Epstein broke down, and how much Trump knew about Epstein's conduct. Trump and his allies have denied that he knew about Epstein's conduct, and no evidence has suggested that he took part in Epstein's trafficking operation.
KEYWORDS
MENTIONED ENTITIES 6
Donald Trump
👤 Person_MaleFormer US President linked to Jeffrey Epstein
Jeffrey Epstein
👤 Person_MaleLate sex offender and financier
Todd Blanche
👤 Person_MaleDeputy Attorney General of the US
Robert Garcia
👤 Person_MaleHouse Democrat leader
Jamie Raskin
👤 Person_MaleHouse Democrat leader
US Justice Department
🏛️ OrganizationUnited States Department of Justice
NOTABLE QUOTES 1
""I expect that we're going to release more documents over the next couple of weeks.""
Context: Statement on releasing Epstein files