The words Epstein files have been haunting the administration of US President Donald Trump for months as it grapples with a growing crisis over the crimes of late convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Pressure was building from Trump's own supporters and from voices within his own Republican Party for more transparency on what the federal investigations into Epstein uncovered.
After weeks of resisting release, Trump reversed course and urged Republicans to vote to open the Epstein files to public scrutiny.
Both chambers of Congress approved a measure compelling the US justice department to release all files pertaining to its investigation into Epstein.
The following day, Trump announced in a social media post that he had signed a bill approving the release of the files.
Now, the justice department has 30 days to release all the files—except for those that relate to active criminal investigations, identify victims, or contain sensitive materials.
What are the Epstein files?
In 2008, Epstein reached a controversial plea deal after being accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl at his Palm Beach home. This deal granted him a lighter sentence amidst mounting allegations.
His later arrest in 2019 led to serious charges stemming from his alleged trafficking of underage girls, but he died in prison while awaiting trial—a ruling deemed a suicide.
A vast amount of documentation, including interview transcripts and seized items from his properties, has piled up in connection with these investigations. The FBI reported uncovering over 300 gigabytes of data related to these cases.
What has already been released on Epstein?
Throughout the years, portions of Epstein's materials have trickled into the public sphere. Recently, thousands of emails from his estate were released, with a previous batch revealing high-profile contacts linked to Epstein.
What happens now that Trump has approved the release?
With Trump's signature, the attorney general now must release documents tied to Epstein and his cohorts within a month. However, information that could jeopardize ongoing investigations or violate victims' privacy may be withheld.
Who is named in the Epstein files?
The unreleased documents are still largely under wraps, but past disclosures hinted at connections to various notable figures, including former presidents and celebrities. Trump's name has appeared in some contexts, leading to speculations but no direct implications of wrongdoing.
What do we know about the Trump/Epstein relationship?
Trump and Epstein were once seen as friends, having traveled in similar elite circles. However, their relationship soured well before Epstein's legal troubles emerged, with differing accounts about the reasons for their fallout.
Why are people so interested in Epstein?
The intrigue surrounding Epstein stems from suspicions that significant figures may be involved in illicit activities, leading to conspiracy theories that have gained traction among certain political groups. The public's demand for answers continues as unanswered questions loom large in the narrative surrounding Epstein and his associates.
