Trump Linked to Epstein Files; Attorney General Briefed Him

The Wall Street Journal reported that Pam Bondi, the US Attorney General, informed President Donald Trump in May that his name appeared in Justice Department files related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on serious charges. This revelation could intensify the political scrutiny surrounding Trump, particularly given his past friendship with Epstein.

The report, citing senior administration officials, has not been independently verified by Reuters, and the White House has dismissed it as “fake news.” The implications of the report are significant, particularly as Trump’s administration has faced backlash after reversing a campaign promise to release files related to Epstein, leading to calls for transparency from his political base.

In a memo released earlier this month, the Justice Department concluded that there was no justification to continue investigating the Epstein case, further fueling discontent among Trump’s supporters. Many of these individuals have been vocal in demanding more information about the powerful figures who interacted with Epstein.

Trump has not faced any accusations of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and has stated that their friendship ended before Epstein’s initial prosecution. His ties to Epstein have drawn attention, especially in light of conspiracy theories that have circulated regarding Epstein and his connections to prominent Democratic politicians.

Facing increasing pressure, Trump directed the Justice Department to pursue the release of sealed grand jury transcripts related to the Epstein case. However, a federal judge denied this request earlier on the same day the report emerged.

The Justice Department’s statement, issued through Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, did not specifically address the Wall Street Journal’s claims. They stated, “Nothing in the files warranted further investigation or prosecution, and we have filed a motion in court to unseal the underlying grand jury transcripts.” They added that the President was briefed on the findings during a routine meeting.

According to the Journal, Bondi and Blanche informed Trump that not only his name but also those of many other high-profile individuals were mentioned in the files. A previous report indicated that Trump had sent Epstein a birthday note in 2003, which ended with “Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.” Trump has since denied the authenticity of the letter and filed a lawsuit against the Journal and its owner, billionaire Rupert Murdoch.

The growing frustration among Trump’s supporters has been evident since the Justice Department memo was issued. Many far-right figures have long promoted conspiracy theories about Epstein, often echoed by Trump himself. Epstein’s suicide in 2019, ruled by the New York City Chief Medical Examiner, has led to speculation regarding the circumstances of his death, primarily due to his connections with influential individuals.

This controversy has also impacted Trump’s fellow Republicans. On Tuesday, US House Speaker Mike Johnson abruptly announced the early adjournment of Congress to avoid a contentious vote on Epstein-related documents. This decision halted a bipartisan push for a resolution requiring the Justice Department to release all documents tied to Epstein.

Recent polling indicates that more than two-thirds of Americans suspect the Trump administration is withholding information about Epstein’s associates. The court motion concerning the Epstein investigations stems from inquiries conducted in 2005 and 2007. A federal judge, Robin Rosenberg, ruled that the Justice Department’s recent request did not meet the criteria for exceptions to the rules that maintain grand jury material confidentiality.

Additionally, the Justice Department has pending motions to unseal transcripts from Manhattan federal court, which pertain to later indictments against Epstein and his former associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of child sex trafficking and other related offenses.

As this situation continues to unfold, the implications for Trump and his administration remain significant. The handling of Epstein’s case is likely to remain a contentious subject in the political landscape as the 2024 elections approach.