The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has released over 11,000 additional documents related to financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This marks the latest and largest tranche of files made public, adhering to a new law mandating the release of investigative records concerning Epstein. The ongoing disclosure follows an initial release on Friday.
Redactions and Lawmaker Criticism
Many of the documents released on Tuesday contain redactions, with names and information blacked out. This has drawn criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum, who argue that the law permits redactions only to protect victims' identities or active criminal investigations. Lawmakers are reportedly exploring legal options to compel greater transparency from the DOJ.
Mentions of Donald Trump
Donald Trump's name appeared more frequently in this latest release than in previous batches. An email from a federal prosecutor in New York, dated January 2020, indicated that newly received flight records reflected Trump traveling on Epstein's private jet "at least eight flights between 1993 and 1996." Ghislaine Maxwell was reportedly present on at least four of these flights. Passengers listed on various trips included Marla Maples, Tiffany Trump, and Eric Trump. On one 1993 flight, Epstein and Trump were the sole listed passengers, and on another, the only three passengers were Epstein, Trump, and a redacted 20-year-old individual.
The Department of Justice stated that some files "contain untrue and sensationalist claims" against Trump, which were submitted to the FBI prior to the 2020 election. The DOJ clarified that these claims are "unfounded and false" and that being mentioned in the Epstein files does not indicate wrongdoing.
"A" Email and Royal Family Connection
Among the thousands of pages, a 2001 email sent to Ghislaine Maxwell by an individual identified as "A" from "Balmoral Summer Camp for the Royal Family" stated: "Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?" Maxwell responded later that day, stating: "So sorry to dissapoint you, however the truth must be told. I have only been able to find appropriate friends." The email was sent from abx17@dial.pipex.com, with the sender named "The Invisible Man." A prior document release showed a similar email address (aace@dial.pipex.com) listed in Epstein's phone book under "Duke of York." Prince Andrew, who lost his Duke of York title in October, has consistently denied any wrongdoing and stated he did not witness or suspect Epstein's illegal activities.
Possible Co-conspirators Identified
FBI emails from 2019, included in the documents, mention 10 individuals as possible co-conspirators in the Epstein case. At the time these emails were sent, six of these individuals had been served with subpoenas across Florida, Boston, New York City, and Connecticut. Four subpoenas remained unserved, including one for a "wealthy businessman in Ohio." Subsequent emails mention multiple names, most of which are redacted. Unredacted names included Ghislaine Maxwell and Les Wexner. Lawyers for Les Wexner, former Victoria's Secret CEO, stated that he was neither a co-conspirator nor a target of the investigation, cooperated fully, and was not contacted again after providing information.
Fake Letter to Larry Nassar
A handwritten letter, initially believed to be from Epstein to former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, was found among the released documents. The Department of Justice has since declared this letter to be fake. Irregularities noted by the DOJ include the writing style not matching Epstein's, an incorrect return address and lack of inmate number for Epstein's detention facility, and a postmark from northern Virginia dated August 13, 2019, three days after Epstein's death, while he was detained in New York.