Oct 28, 2002 – Sep 15, 2026·122 events
Trump Administration Statements on Epstein
All 122 events
In date order. Indented events happen within the event above them. Times are shown in America/New_York. Last updated September 25, 2026.
· Donald Trump
Trump calls Epstein a “terrific guy” in New York magazine
In a New York magazine profile of Epstein, Trump said, “I’ve known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy. He’s a lot of fun to be with.” He added, “It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.”
Sources: ABC News: Trump’s comments on Epstein raise new questions about when and why they fell out; Snopes via Yahoo News: Trump once calling Epstein ‘fun’ and ‘terrific guy’ resurfaced
· Epstein case: key dates
The Florida case and the non-prosecution agreement
From a 2005 police complaint in Palm Beach to Epstein's release from county custody in 2009. A federal investigation that had drafted a 60-count indictment ended instead in a non-prosecution agreement and a state guilty plea.
Sources: DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility, Executive Summary of Report on the Epstein Investigation (November 2020); Wikipedia: Jeffrey Epstein
· Epstein case: key dates
Non-prosecution agreement signed
Epstein agreed to plead guilty to two state felonies, serve 18 months in county jail and register as a sex offender. In return the U.S. Attorney's Office agreed not to prosecute him, four named co-conspirators or "any potential co-conspirators" in the district. Victims were not told before it was signed.
Sources: DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility, Executive Summary (November 2020); Wikipedia: Jeffrey Epstein
· Epstein case: key dates
Epstein pleads guilty in Florida state court
Epstein pleaded guilty to felony solicitation of prostitution and to procurement of a minor for prostitution. The court sentenced him to 12 and 6 months, served consecutively, followed by 12 months of community control. He began serving that day in a Palm Beach County facility.
Sources: DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility, Executive Summary (November 2020); Wikipedia: Jeffrey Epstein
· Epstein case: key dates
Epstein released to home detention
With time off for good behavior, Epstein served less than 13 months, much of it on the sheriff's work release program. He was released to a year of home detention and registered as a sex offender with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Sources: DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility, Executive Summary (November 2020); Wikipedia: Jeffrey Epstein
· Donald Trump
Trump says Clinton has “a lot of problems” over Epstein’s island
Asked about Bill Clinton at CPAC, Trump said, “Nice guy. Got a lot of problems coming up in my opinion with the famous island with Jeffrey Epstein.” The same day he told Bloomberg Politics, “that island was really a cesspool.”
Sources: TIME: Trump Kept Epstein Issue at Arm’s Length. His Allies Did Not; Snopes via Yahoo News: Yes, Trump called Jeffrey Epstein’s island a ‘cesspool’ in 2015
· Epstein case: key dates
Miami Herald publishes "Perversion of Justice"
Julie K. Brown's series examined the 2007 plea deal and the prosecutors who approved it. The Justice Department's ethics office later wrote that the report led to public outrage and scrutiny of the government's handling of the case.
Sources: DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility, Executive Summary (November 2020), citing the Miami Herald, Nov. 28, 2018; Wikipedia: Jeffrey Epstein
· Epstein case: key dates
Federal sex trafficking case in New York
The Southern District of New York charged Epstein with sex trafficking of minors in 2019. The case ended without a trial when he died in federal custody.
Sources: DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility, Executive Summary (November 2020); Courthouse News Service: NY prosecutors charge Jeffrey Epstein with sex trafficking
· Epstein case: key dates
Epstein arrested at Teterboro Airport
Federal agents arrested Epstein at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey on a sealed indictment. Agents who searched his Manhattan house found thousands of photos of nude and partly nude females, including at least one believed to be a minor, prosecutors said.
Sources: DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility, Executive Summary (November 2020); CNN: Epstein operated a vast sex-trafficking network of underage girls, prosecutors say; Wikipedia: Jeffrey Epstein
· Epstein case: key dates
Sex trafficking indictment unsealed
Prosecutors charged Epstein with one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy. The indictment alleged that from at least 2002 to 2005 he recruited dozens of underage girls to his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach and paid some of them to recruit others.
Sources: Courthouse News Service: NY prosecutors charge Jeffrey Epstein with sex trafficking; CNN: Epstein operated a vast sex-trafficking network, prosecutors say
· Donald Trump
Trump says he had “a falling out” with Epstein
Asked about Epstein’s arrest during an Oval Office meeting with Qatar’s emir, Trump said Epstein was “a fixture in Palm Beach” and that “I had a falling out with him a long time ago.” He said he had not spoken to him in about 15 years and was “not a fan.”
Sources: Fox News: Trump says he was ‘not a fan’ of Jeffrey Epstein, despite past comments; PBS News: Trump mired in Epstein controversy as Wall Street Journal reports on 2003 letter
· Donald Trump
Trump says “I threw him out” and was never on Epstein’s island
Leaving the White House on Marine One, Trump said, “Jeffrey Epstein was not somebody that I respected. I threw him out.” He said he had not spoken to Epstein “in probably 15 years or more,” and of the island, “I was never there.”
Sources: White House (archived): Remarks by President Trump before Marine One Departure, July 12, 2019
· Epstein case: key dates
Labor Secretary Acosta resigns
Alexander Acosta, the former U.S. attorney whose office signed the 2007 agreement, had defended it at a July 10 press conference, saying it put Epstein in jail and gave victims a path to damages. Two days later he submitted his resignation as Secretary of Labor.
Sources: DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility, Executive Summary (November 2020); Wikipedia: Jeffrey Epstein
· Epstein case: key dates
Judge denies bail
U.S. District Judge Richard Berman ordered Epstein held without bail pending trial. He was held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan.
Sources: DOJ Office of the Inspector General, Report 23-085 (June 2023); Wikipedia: Jeffrey Epstein
· Epstein case: key dates
Epstein found hanged in his cell
Two staff members delivering breakfast at about 6:30 a.m. found Epstein hanged in his locked cell in the Special Housing Unit. He was taken to New York Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital and pronounced dead at 7:36 a.m. He was 66.
Sources: DOJ Office of the Inspector General, Report 23-085 (June 2023); Wikipedia: Death of Jeffrey Epstein
· Donald Trump
Trump demands “a full investigation” of Epstein’s death
Three days after Epstein died in jail, Trump defended retweeting a post that suggested, without evidence, that Bill Clinton was connected to the death: “That was a retweet. That wasn’t from me.” He added, “I want a full investigation.”
· Epstein case: key dates
Medical examiner rules the death a suicide
New York City Chief Medical Examiner Barbara Sampson ruled the cause of death hanging and the manner suicide, after what she called a careful review of all investigative information. Pathologist Michael Baden publicly disputed the finding.
Sources: Al Jazeera: Jeffrey Epstein death ruled suicide by hanging, medical examiner; Associated Press via Boston.com: Medical examiner rules Epstein death a suicide by hanging; Wikipedia: Death of Jeffrey Epstein
· Epstein case: key dates
Indictment dismissed after victims speak in court
At an August 27 hearing, more than a dozen women, including victims of the Florida conduct covered by the plea deal, spoke about the effect of Epstein's crimes. Judge Berman dismissed the indictment two days later.
Sources: DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility, Executive Summary (November 2020); Wikipedia: Death of Jeffrey Epstein
· Epstein case: key dates
Ghislaine Maxwell arrested in New Hampshire
The FBI arrested Maxwell, Epstein's longtime companion, in Bradford, New Hampshire. An indictment unsealed that day charged her with six counts, including enticing minors to travel for illegal sex acts and perjury. She pleaded not guilty on July 14 and was held without bail.
Sources: CNN: Ghislaine Maxwell arrested; NHPR: Ghislaine Maxwell arrested in N.H.; U.S. Attorney's Office, SDNY: United States v. Ghislaine Maxwell
· Donald Trump
Trump on Ghislaine Maxwell: “I just wish her well”
Asked at a White House briefing about Ghislaine Maxwell, arrested weeks earlier on charges tied to Epstein, Trump said, “I just wish her well, frankly.” He said he had met her “numerous times over the years, especially since I lived in Palm Beach.”
Sources: NBC News: ‘I wish her well’: Trump to accused sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell; CBS News: Trump on accused sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell: “I wish her well”
· Epstein case: key dates
Maxwell's trial in Manhattan
Jury selection began on November 29, 2021 in Manhattan federal court. Four women who said Epstein abused them as teenagers testified, three of them under pseudonyms.
Sources: U.S. Attorney's Office, SDNY: United States v. Ghislaine Maxwell; CNN: Ghislaine Maxwell guilty on five of six counts; CBS News: Jury finds Ghislaine Maxwell guilty on charges tied to Epstein's sex trafficking ring
· Epstein case: key dates
Jury convicts Maxwell on five of six counts
The jury found Maxwell guilty of sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking conspiracy, transporting a minor for illegal sex acts and two related conspiracy counts. It acquitted her on one count, enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts.
Sources: U.S. Attorney's Office, SDNY: Ghislaine Maxwell sentenced to 20 years in prison; CNN: Ghislaine Maxwell guilty on five of six counts; CBS News: Jury finds Ghislaine Maxwell guilty
· Epstein case: key dates
Maxwell sentenced to 20 years
Judge Alison J. Nathan sentenced Maxwell to 240 months in prison for her role in a scheme, over about a decade, to sexually exploit and abuse multiple minor girls with Epstein. Prosecutors had sought 30 years or more.
Sources: U.S. Attorney's Office, SDNY: Ghislaine Maxwell sentenced to 20 years in prison; CNN: Ghislaine Maxwell sentenced to 20 years in prison
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Bongino tells listeners, “Please do not let that story go”
On his podcast, Bongino told his audience, “Listen, that Jeffrey Epstein story is a big deal, please do not let that story go. Keep your eye on this.”
Sources: NPR: How conspiracy theorists explain Trump officials’ pivots on Jeffrey Epstein; Newsweek: List of Trump allies who called for release of Epstein files; ABC News: Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino’s future uncertain amid fallout over Epstein files decision
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Bongino asks, “What the hell are they hiding with Jeffrey Epstein?”
On his podcast, Bongino asked, “What the hell are they hiding with Jeffrey Epstein?” He asked why “Clinton, Obama officials, big money leftists, a former Prime Minister of Israel” wanted “to make this Jeffrey Epstein story go away so bad.”
Sources: AP (via KSAT): In their own words: Trump, Patel, Bongino and Bondi on the Epstein scandal; CNN: FBI and Justice Department struggle to beat back conspiracies their leaders once fanned
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Patel says the Epstein list is withheld “because of who’s on that list”
Asked on Benny Johnson’s show why the Epstein “list” had not been released, Patel said, “Simple, because of who’s on that list.” He told House Republicans to “put on your big boy pants and let us know who the pedophiles are.”
Sources: AP (via KSAT): In their own words: Trump, Patel, Bongino and Bondi on the Epstein scandal; CNN: FBI and Justice Department struggle to beat back conspiracies their leaders once fanned; NPR: How conspiracy theorists explain Trump officials’ pivots on Jeffrey Epstein
· Epstein case: key dates
Giuffre v. Maxwell documents unsealed
Following a December 2023 order by Judge Loretta Preska, who found no justification for keeping more than 150 names of "John and Jane Does" sealed, the court began releasing filings in batches. Many people are named in the records only as contacts, witnesses or deposition subjects; being named is not an allegation of a crime.
Sources: ABC News: Court documents naming Jeffrey Epstein's associates unsealed; Fortune (AP): Documents naming people in the orbit of Jeffrey Epstein are unsealed
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Bondi says Epstein documents “should have come out a long time ago”
Before joining the administration, Bondi discussed newly unsealed Epstein court documents on Fox News’s “Hannity.” She said, “It should have come out a long time ago,” and that people named had “no legal basis” to keep their names private “unless they’re a child, a victim or a cooperating defendant.”
Sources: Fox News: These documents should have come out a long time ago: Pam Bondi; WRAL (AP): Epstein files: A timeline of what the Trump administration has said about releasing a list
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Bongino amplifies claim that Epstein was killed over blackmail
On his podcast, Bongino played a clip of a journalist saying she was “100%” convinced Epstein was killed “because he made his whole living blackmailing people.” Bongino said he was “amazed at how few people are putting two and two together.”
Sources: NBC News: FBI leaders say jail video shows Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide; NBC News: Dan Bongino returns to podcasting with a defense of the FBI’s handling of the Epstein files
· Donald Trump
Trump says he “would” release the Epstein files, with a caveat
Asked on Fox & Friends whether he would declassify the Epstein files, Trump said, “Yeah, yeah, I would. I guess I would.” He added that “you don’t want to affect people’s lives if it’s phony stuff in there.” The broadcast cut the caveat. The full answer ran on Will Cain’s radio show.
Sources: PolitiFact: How Donald Trump shifted on releasing the Epstein files; Semafor: How Fox News massaged a Trump interview
· Donald Trump
Trump tells Lex Fridman he’d “certainly take a look” at Epstein files
Asked on Lex Fridman’s podcast whether Epstein’s client list would be made public, Trump said, “Yeah, I’d certainly take a look at it.” He said, “I’d be inclined to do the Epstein. I’d have no problem with it,” and added, “I never went to his island.”
Sources: Lex Fridman Podcast #442: Transcript for Donald Trump Interview; PolitiFact: How Donald Trump shifted on releasing the Epstein files
· JD Vance
Vance tells Theo Von “we need to release the Epstein list”
On Theo Von’s podcast “This Past Weekend,” then-Senator and Republican vice presidential nominee Vance said, “Seriously, we need to release the Epstein list. That is an important thing.” The episode was released October 21, 2024, about two weeks before the election.
Sources: Happy Scribe: E540 Sen. JD Vance, This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von transcript; iHeart: E540 Sen. JD Vance (episode page, published October 21, 2024); The Independent via AOL: Podcaster asks JD Vance ‘what changed?’ over his Epstein files stance
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
At confirmation hearing, Patel vows to help expose Epstein’s network
Sen. Marsha Blackburn asked Patel whether he would work with her “so we know who worked with Jeffrey Epstein in building these sex trafficking rings.” Patel answered, “Absolutely,” and said he would “make sure the American public knows the full weight of what happened.”
Sources: The Tennessean (via Yahoo): Kash Patel gets asked about Epstein files by Marsha Blackburn during Senate confirmation hearing; Newsweek: List of Trump allies who called for release of Epstein files; Sen. Blackburn: Blackburn requests FBI Director Patel release complete, unredacted Epstein records
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Bongino vows, “I’m not ever gonna let this story go”
About two weeks before Trump named him FBI deputy director, Bongino discussed a reporter’s claim that Epstein had tapes he used to blackmail powerful people. “I’m not ever gonna let this story go,” he said. “I’m not letting it go ever.”
Sources: NBC News: FBI leaders say jail video shows Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Bondi’s first week on the Epstein files
In one week Bondi said the files were on her desk, promised flight logs and names, released “Phase 1” binders and ordered the FBI to hand over the rest by the next morning.
Sources: DOJ: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Releases First Phase of Declassified Epstein Files; Fox News: Bondi says Epstein client list “sitting on my desk right now”
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Bondi says the Epstein client list is “sitting on my desk”
Asked on Fox News’s “America Reports” whether DOJ would release Epstein’s client list, Bondi said, “It’s sitting on my desk right now to review. That’s been a directive by President Trump.” Asked if she had seen anything yet, she said, “Not yet.”
Sources: Fox News: Bondi says Epstein client list ‘sitting on my desk right now,’ and is reviewing JFK, MLK files; PBS News: Epstein client list doesn’t exist, DOJ says, walking back theory Bondi promoted
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Bondi promises “a lot of flight logs, a lot of names”
On “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Bondi said DOJ would release Epstein material the next day: “What you’re going to see, hopefully tomorrow, is a lot of flight logs, a lot of names, a lot of information.” She added, “It’s pretty sick what that man did, along with his co-defendant.”
Sources: Fox News: AG Pam Bondi says some Epstein files coming Thursday: ‘It’s pretty sick’; WRAL (AP): Epstein files: A timeline of what the Trump administration has said about releasing a list
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
DOJ hands “Phase 1” Epstein binders to influencers
Conservative influencers left the White House carrying binders labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1.” Bondi said the release “sheds light on Epstein’s extensive network.” Much of the material, including flight logs, had already been public through earlier court cases.
Sources: U.S. Department of Justice: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Releases First Phase of Declassified Epstein Files; KSAT (AP): No new bombshells in Justice Department’s release of Jeffrey Epstein files
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Bondi orders FBI to deliver full Epstein files by 8 a.m.
In a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, Bondi said she had learned the FBI’s New York office held thousands of pages she had not received. She wrote that by 8 a.m. on February 28 “the FBI will deliver the full and complete Epstein files to my office,” and ordered an investigation into why her request was not followed.
Sources: Fox News: Epstein files: AG Pam Bondi sends letter to Kash Patel accusing FBI of withholding docs; U.S. Department of Justice: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Releases First Phase of Declassified Epstein Files; TIME: AG Pam Bondi Blames FBI for Incomplete Release of ‘Epstein Files’
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Patel promises “no cover-ups, no missing documents”
The day Bondi released “Phase 1” of the Epstein files and tasked Patel with finding out why DOJ had not received thousands of pages, Patel posted that there would be “no cover-ups, no missing documents, and no stone left unturned.” He added, “If records have been hidden, we will uncover them.”
Sources: The Hill: Justice Department releases first phase of Epstein files, including flight logs; Justice Department: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Releases First Phase of Declassified Epstein Files
· Epstein case: key dates
Virginia Giuffre dies in Australia
Giuffre, whose lawsuits brought much of the case record into public view, died at her farm in Western Australia at 41. Her family said she died by suicide after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Reports give the date as April 24 or 25.
Sources: NBC News: Virginia Giuffre dies; Wikipedia: Virginia Giuffre
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Bondi says there are “tens of thousands of videos”
Explaining delays in releasing the files, Bondi told reporters at the White House, “There are tens of thousands of videos of Epstein with children or child porn,” and said the FBI was reviewing them. Lawyers in the Epstein and Maxwell cases later told AP they had never seen such recordings.
Sources: KPTV (AP): Mystery surrounds the Jeffrey Epstein files after Bondi claims ‘tens of thousands’ of videos; Newsweek: Bondi: Tens of Thousands of Videos of Epstein With Children, Child Porn; WRAL (AP): Epstein files: A timeline of what the Trump administration has said about releasing a list
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Patel tells senators he believes Epstein “hung himself”
At a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Sen. John Kennedy asked whether Epstein hanged himself or was killed. Patel said, “Senator, I believe he hung himself in a cell in the Metropolitan Detention Center.” He said the FBI was working with DOJ to release information “in the near future.”
Sources: AP (via KSAT): In their own words: Trump, Patel, Bongino and Bondi on the Epstein scandal; WWL/Audacy: Kennedy grills Kash Patel at Senate hearing
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Patel on Epstein: “You know a suicide when you see one”
In an interview with Maria Bartiromo aired on Fox, Patel said people who doubt that Epstein killed himself “have a right to their opinion, but you know a suicide when you see one, and that’s what that was.” He cited his past work as a public defender and prosecutor.
Sources: Fox News: Kash Patel and Dan Bongino say Jeffrey Epstein killed himself; MS NOW: Kash Patel and Dan Bongino face MAGA wrath after dismissing Epstein conspiracy theories
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Bongino says “I’ve seen the whole file. He killed himself.”
In the Fox interview with Patel, Bongino said of Epstein, “He killed himself. I’ve seen the whole file. He killed himself.” On X he added, “There’s no evidence in the case file indicating otherwise,” and said he would reevaluate if new evidence surfaced.
Sources: Fox News: Kash Patel and Dan Bongino say Jeffrey Epstein killed himself; MS NOW: Kash Patel and Dan Bongino face MAGA wrath after dismissing Epstein conspiracy theories; NPR: How conspiracy theorists explain Trump officials’ pivots on Jeffrey Epstein
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Bongino says jail video shows Epstein was alone “clear as day”
On Fox & Friends, Bongino said, “There’s no DNA, there’s no audio, there’s no fingerprints, there’s no suspects, there’s no accomplices.” He said surveillance video showed Epstein was “the only person in there and the only person coming out,” and the FBI promised to release it.
Sources: NBC News: FBI leaders say jail video shows Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Bongino tells Hannity the Epstein file shows “in fact a suicide”
On Fox News’ Hannity, Bongino said, “There’s nothing there in the file at all that indicates anything other than in fact a suicide.” Of the jail video, he said, “It’s not the greatest video in the world. I don’t want to set expectations on fire.”
Sources: Fox News: FBI deputy director confirms Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide based on agency’s files
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Patel tells Joe Rogan there is no island video “of what you want”
On The Joe Rogan Experience, Patel said he believed Epstein killed himself. Asked whether there was video from Epstein’s island, he said, “Not of what you want.” He said the public would “get as much as we can release,” adding, “We’re not gonna re-victimize women.”
Sources: The Hill (via Yahoo): Rogan hits Patel over Epstein claims: ‘Doesn’t make any sense’; TheWrap: Joe Rogan slams Kash Patel over Epstein files; CNN: FBI and Justice Department struggle to beat back conspiracies their leaders once fanned; The Singju Post: Kash Patel’s interview on Joe Rogan Experience #2334 (transcript)
· JD Vance
Vance says Trump “didn’t do anything wrong with Jeffrey Epstein”
Back on Theo Von’s podcast as vice president, Vance was read Elon Musk’s post claiming Trump was “in the Epstein files.” Vance said, “Donald Trump didn’t do anything wrong with Jeffrey Epstein,” calling the claim “total BS” and Musk’s attack on Trump “a huge mistake.”
Sources: Rolling Stone via Yahoo: Vance Says ‘Trump Didn’t Do Anything Wrong With Jeffrey Epstein’; Fox News: JD Vance says it was a ‘huge mistake’ for Musk to go after Trump; TheWrap via Yahoo: JD Vance Finds Out About Musk’s Epstein-Files Posts During Theo Von Interview
· Epstein case: key dates
Fallout from the July 7 memo
The Justice Department and FBI said there was no client list and no more files would be released. Some Trump supporters and Republican lawmakers called for release, and Congress introduced the Transparency Act on July 15.
Sources: DOJ and FBI memorandum on the Epstein review (July 2025); PBS NewsHour: Trump slams supporters who are angered over Epstein case as “weaklings”
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
DOJ and FBI memo says there is no “client list”
An unsigned DOJ and FBI memo said, “This systematic review revealed no incriminating ‘client list.’” It said there was no credible evidence Epstein blackmailed prominent people, that he died by suicide, and that “no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.”
Sources: DOJ and FBI memorandum on the Epstein review (July 2025); CBS News: Justice Department review finds Jeffrey Epstein had no ‘client list’ and died by suicide; PBS News: Epstein client list doesn’t exist, DOJ says, walking back theory Bondi promoted
· Donald Trump
Trump asks, “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?”
When a reporter asked Bondi about Epstein at a Cabinet meeting, Trump cut in: “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy’s been talked about for years.” He called Epstein “this creep” and said raising him at that moment “just seems like a desecration.”
Sources: PBS News: WATCH: Trump and Bondi address lingering questions about Jeffrey Epstein files; Fox News: Trump slams reporter for asking about ‘creep’ Jeffrey Epstein during Cabinet meeting
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Bondi says “on my desk” meant the Epstein files, not a list
Asked at a Cabinet meeting about her February remark, Bondi said, “It is sitting on my desk to be reviewed, meaning the files, along with the JFK, MLK files as well.” She said DOJ was looking for jail video to show “a minute is missing every night,” and ended, “And that is it on Epstein.”
Sources: The Daily Beast: Pam Bondi Cornered on Her Epstein Files Hype at Trump Cabinet Meeting; WRAL (AP): Epstein files: A timeline of what the Trump administration has said about releasing a list
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Bongino reportedly clashes with Bondi over the Epstein memo
Two days after the memo, Bongino and Bondi clashed at a White House meeting, according to sources cited by NBC News and CNN. CNN reported that he did not come to work that Friday and was considering resigning. He was back at work the next Monday.
Sources: NBC News: Dan Bongino weighs resigning from FBI after heated confrontation with Pam Bondi over Epstein files; CNN: Deputy FBI Director Bongino has told people he is considering resigning amid Epstein files fallout; CNN: Bongino still in limbo as Trump fumes and JD Vance seeks to play mediator; ABC News: Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino’s future uncertain amid fallout over Epstein files decision
· Donald Trump
Trump calls Epstein “somebody that nobody cares about”
Defending Bondi on Truth Social, Trump wrote that she was doing “a FANTASTIC JOB” and urged supporters to “not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about.”
Sources: CBS News: Trump posts message of support for Bondi amid Epstein probe fallout
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Patel posts that “the conspiracy theories just aren’t true”
Amid reports of a clash between Bongino and Bondi over the July 7 Epstein memo, and speculation about his own future, Patel posted on X: “The conspiracy theories just aren’t true, never have been.” He said he would serve Trump “for as long as he calls on me.”
Sources: CNN: Deputy FBI Director Bongino has told people he is considering resigning amid Epstein files fallout; Fox News: Kash Patel torches ‘conspiracy theories’ about Bondi feud amid MAGA furor over Epstein files
· Epstein case: key dates
Massie and Khanna introduce the Epstein Files Transparency Act
Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, introduced H.R. 4405 with Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican. The bill would require the Justice Department to publish its unclassified Epstein records while withholding information that identifies victims.
Sources: Wikipedia: Epstein Files Transparency Act; Rep. Thomas Massie: Massie-Khanna Epstein Files Transparency Act passes House
· Donald Trump
Trump calls it the “Jeffrey Epstein Hoax” and critics “weaklings”
On Truth Social, Trump wrote that Democrats’ “new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax” and that his “PAST supporters” had bought into it. “Let these weaklings continue forward and do the Democrats work,” he wrote. In the Oval Office he said, “It’s all been a big hoax.”
Sources: PBS News (AP): Trump slams supporters who are angered over Epstein case as weaklings; ABC News: Trump blasts ‘stupid’ and ‘foolish’ Republicans amid calls to reveal more Epstein files
· Donald Trump
Trump calls the Journal’s Epstein birthday letter “FAKE”
After the Wall Street Journal reported on a 2003 birthday letter to Epstein bearing Trump’s name, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the paper “printed a FAKE letter.” He added, “These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don’t draw pictures.”
Sources: PBS News: Trump mired in Epstein controversy as Wall Street Journal reports on 2003 letter; Al Jazeera: How well did Trump and Epstein really know each other? A timeline
· Donald Trump
Trump asks Bondi to seek release of Epstein grand jury testimony
On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval.” He called it a “SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats.”
Sources: CBS News: Trump orders Bondi to seek release of Jeffrey Epstein-related grand jury testimony
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Bondi agrees to seek release of Epstein grand jury transcripts
Minutes after Trump asked her to produce “any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony,” Bondi posted that DOJ was “ready to move the court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts.” The motion, signed by Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche, was filed the next day.
Sources: CBS News: Trump orders Bondi to seek release of Jeffrey Epstein-related grand jury testimony; ABC News: DOJ files request to unseal Epstein grand jury records after uproar over files
· JD Vance
Vance calls WSJ birthday-letter story “complete and utter bullshit”
After The Wall Street Journal reported on a 2003 birthday letter to Epstein bearing Trump’s name, Vance posted on X: “Forgive my language but this story is complete and utter bullshit. The WSJ should be ashamed for publishing it. Where is this letter?”
Sources: CBS Austin (Sinclair): JD Vance calls WSJ report about Trump letter to Epstein ‘bulls**t’; JD Vance on X (original post)
· Epstein case: key dates
Wall Street Journal reports on a 2003 birthday letter
The Journal reported that an album made for Epstein's 50th birthday included a letter bearing Donald Trump's name. Trump denied writing it and on July 18 sued the paper's publisher for $10 billion. A judge dismissed the suit in April 2026; Trump refiled in May.
Sources: Al Jazeera: Trump sues Wall Street Journal, Rupert Murdoch for $10bn over Epstein story; CNN: Trump refiles $10 billion lawsuit over Wall Street Journal report
· Donald Trump
Trump sues the Wall Street Journal for $10 billion
Trump filed a defamation suit in federal court in Miami against the Journal, Rupert Murdoch and two reporters over the letter story. He wrote that it was filed “not only on behalf of your favorite President, ME, but also in order to continue standing up for ALL Americans.”
Sources: AP via Yahoo News: Trump sues Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch over reporting on Epstein ties; Al Jazeera: Trump sues Wall Street Journal, Rupert Murdoch for $10bn over Epstein story
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Bondi and Blanche: “Nothing in the files warranted” prosecution
After the Wall Street Journal reported that Bondi told Trump in May his name appeared multiple times in the files, Bondi and Blanche said in a joint statement, “Nothing in the files warranted further investigation or prosecution.” They added, “As part of our routine briefing, we made the President aware of the findings.”
Sources: ABC News: Trump was told by Bondi his name appeared multiple times in Epstein files: Report
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Blanche interviews Ghislaine Maxwell in Tallahassee
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Maxwell at the U.S. attorney’s office in Tallahassee, two days after posting that DOJ was reaching out to ask her “what do you know?” He posted that he would continue the interview the next day and that DOJ “will share additional information about what we learned at the appropriate time.”
Sources: CBS News: Top DOJ official Todd Blanche meets with Ghislaine Maxwell in Florida; U.S. Department of Justice: Interview Transcript, Ghislaine Maxwell, July 24, 2025 (redacted)
· Donald Trump
On a Maxwell pardon, Trump says “I’m allowed to do it”
Asked outside the White House about clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell, who was meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump said, “I’m allowed to do it, but it’s something I have not thought about.”
Sources: NBC News: Highlights from July 25, 2025; TIME: Will Trump Pardon Child Sex Trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell?
· Donald Trump
Trump says Epstein “stole people that worked for me”
At his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, Trump gave a new reason for the break: “He stole people that worked for me. I said, ‘Don’t ever do that again.’ He did it again, and I threw him out.”
Sources: PBS News (PolitiFact): The facts and timeline of Trump and Epstein’s falling out; ABC News: Trump’s comments on Epstein raise new questions about when and why they fell out
· JD Vance
Vance says “We’re not shielding anything” on Epstein files
Speaking in Canton, Ohio, Vance said, “First of all, the president has been very clear. We’re not shielding anything,” and that Trump “has directed the attorney general to release all credible information.” He said Obama’s and George W. Bush’s Justice Departments had gone “easy on this guy.”
Sources: ABC News: ‘We’re not shielding anything,’ Vance says of Epstein files; HuffPost via Yahoo: JD Vance Shoves Blame On George W. Bush And Barack Obama Over Jeffrey Epstein Files
· Donald Trump
Trump says Epstein took Mar-a-Lago spa workers, including Giuffre
Aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “People were taken out of the spa, hired by him.” Asked about Virginia Giuffre, he said she had worked at the spa and “he stole her,” adding, “she had no complaints about us, none whatsoever.”
Sources: ABC News: Trump’s comments on Epstein raise new questions about when and why they fell out; PBS News (PolitiFact): The facts and timeline of Trump and Epstein’s falling out
· Epstein case: key dates
Maxwell moved to a minimum-security camp
The Bureau of Prisons moved Maxwell from the federal prison in Tallahassee to Federal Prison Camp Bryan in Texas, a women's camp with dormitory housing. The move after her meeting with Blanche drew questions in Congress about special treatment.
Sources: CNN: Ghislaine Maxwell's arrival at Texas prison camp sparks tension; Wikipedia: Ghislaine Maxwell
· JD Vance
Vance says Trump “has demanded full transparency” on Epstein
On Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Vance said, “President Trump has demanded full transparency from this,” and that officials were compiling “thousands and thousands of documents.” He said, “I laugh at the Democrats who are now all of a sudden, so interested in the Epstein files,” and that Epstein had connections with “left-wing politicians and left-wing billionaires.”
Sources: CNN via ABC17 News: Vance calls out Democrats over Epstein files, reignites push for transparency
· Donald Trump
Trump calls the Epstein files push “a Democrat hoax that never ends”
Meeting Poland’s president in the Oval Office, Trump told reporters, “This is a Democrat hoax that never ends.” He said Democrats were “trying to get people to talk about something that’s totally irrelevant to the success that we’ve had as a nation.”
Sources: ABC News: Trump calls Epstein files ‘irrelevant’ as Massie petition picks up steam
· Epstein case: key dates
Committee releases estate records, including the birthday book
The Oversight Committee published documents from Epstein's estate, including a redacted copy of the 2003 birthday album. Committee Democrats posted an image of a page bearing Trump's name. The White House said the signature was not his, and Trump has denied writing it.
Sources: CNN: House committee releases 'birthday book' and other Epstein estate documents; Wikipedia: Jeffrey Epstein's birthday book
· Donald Trump
Trump says the birthday-book letter is “not my signature”
A day after the House Oversight Committee released an image of the letter from Epstein’s estate, Trump told NBC News it was “a dead issue.” That evening he told ABC, “It’s not my signature. And it’s not the way I speak.”
Sources: ABC News: ‘It’s not my signature’: Trump says about alleged Epstein ‘birthday book’ letter
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Patel says “no credible information” Epstein trafficked to others
At a Senate Judiciary hearing, Sen. John Kennedy asked whom Epstein trafficked young women to. Patel said, “Himself. There is no credible information, none. If there were I would bring the case yesterday.” He blamed a “very limited” original search warrant for gaps in the record.
Sources: Newsweek: Kash Patel says no ‘credible’ info Jeffrey Epstein trafficked young women to others; PBS News: 3 takeaways from Kash Patel’s tense oversight hearing; TIME: Kash Patel: No credible info Epstein trafficked girls to others
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Patel tells Raskin he won’t “break the law to satisfy your curiosity”
At a House Judiciary hearing, Rep. Jamie Raskin played Patel’s past remarks about Epstein’s black book. Patel said court orders barred further release: “I’m not going to break the law to satisfy your curiosity.” He also testified, “I have never spoken to President Trump about the Epstein files.”
Sources: Roll Call: House panel grills FBI Director Kash Patel over Epstein materials; Capital News Service: Raskin presses Patel on Epstein files; CBS News: FBI Director Kash Patel faces questions on Epstein files at House hearing; ABC News: FBI Director Kash Patel clashes with House lawmakers over Epstein files
· Howard Lutnick
Lutnick says he vowed never to be in a room with Epstein again
On the New York Post’s “Pod Force One,” Lutnick described touring neighbor Epstein’s townhouse in 2005 and seeing a massage table. He said he and his wife decided “that I will never be in the room with that disgusting person ever again,” adding, “So I was never in the room with him socially, for business or even philanthropy.”
Sources: New York Post via AOL: Howard Lutnick tells ‘Pod Force One’ ex-neighbor Jeffrey Epstein showed off massage room; NBC News: Under fire for Epstein ties, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defends visiting his private island; House Oversight Committee: Transcribed interview of Howard Lutnick, May 6, 2026
· Epstein case: key dates
Supreme Court declines Maxwell's appeal
On the first day of its term, the Supreme Court declined to hear Maxwell's argument that the 2007 plea deal shielded her. Her lawyer said the fight "isn't over".
Sources: SCOTUSblog: Supreme Court will not address Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal; PBS NewsHour (AP): Supreme Court rejects appeal from Ghislaine Maxwell
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
At Senate hearing, Bondi points to memo: “there was no client list”
Pressed on Epstein at a Senate Judiciary oversight hearing, Bondi said of her February remark, “I said I had not yet reviewed it,” adding that the DOJ memo “clearly points out that there was no client list.” She asked Sen. Dick Durbin, “Why did you fight to not disclose the flight logs, Senator Durbin?”
Sources: Spectrum News: AG Bondi spars with Dems over Epstein files, Guard deployment during hearing; The Daily Caller: Marsha Blackburn, Pam Bondi Call Out Dick Durbin For Not Releasing Epstein Flight Logs; ABC News: Bondi rips Democratic senators, dodges questions on ‘weaponization’ and Homan during fiery hearing
· Epstein case: key dates
The Epstein Files Transparency Act passes
In one week the discharge petition reached 218 signatures, Trump dropped his opposition, the House and Senate passed the bill, and Trump signed it into law.
Sources: ABC News: Grijalva sworn in, becomes key signature on Epstein files petition; Roll Call: Epstein discharge petition picks up decisive signature; Wikipedia: Epstein Files Transparency Act; DOJ: Department of Justice Publishes 3.5 Million Responsive Pages
· Epstein case: key dates
Discharge petition reaches 218 signatures
Rep. Adelita Grijalva of Arizona signed minutes after being sworn in, becoming the 218th signature on the petition Massie had filed in September. That forced a floor vote. The signers were every Democrat and four Republicans.
Sources: ABC News: Grijalva sworn in, becomes key signature on Epstein files petition; Roll Call: Epstein discharge petition picks up decisive signature
· Donald Trump
Trump asks DOJ to investigate Epstein’s ties to Clinton and others
Trump wrote on Truth Social that he would ask Bondi, the Justice Department and the FBI “to investigate Jeffrey Epstein’s involvement and relationship with Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, J.P. Morgan, Chase, and many other people.” He called it “another Russia, Russia, Russia Scam.” Bondi assigned the inquiry to U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton that day.
Sources: AP via ClickOnDetroit: At Trump’s urging, Bondi says US will investigate Epstein’s ties to Clinton and other political foes; Salon: Trump melts down on Truth Social at “weak Republicans” demanding release of Epstein files
· Donald Trump
Trump says he knows “nothing” about Epstein’s “knew about the girls” email
Asked aboard Air Force One what Epstein meant in emails saying Trump knew about the girls, Trump said, “I know nothing about that.” He said Epstein “dictated a couple of memos to himself” and asked what Epstein knew “with respect to Bill Clinton, with respect to the head of Harvard.”
· Donald Trump
Trump tells a reporter asking about the files, “Quiet, piggy”
On the same Air Force One flight, as a Bloomberg reporter began asking about the Epstein files, Trump pointed at her and said, “Quiet. Quiet, piggy.”
Sources: Roll Call Factba.se: Press Gaggle: Donald Trump Speaks to Reporters on Board Air Force One, November 14, 2025; Newsweek: Donald Trump tells reporter “quiet, piggy” when asked about Epstein files
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
At Trump’s request, Bondi assigns Epstein-Democrats probe to SDNY
After Trump asked DOJ to investigate Epstein’s ties to Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman and JPMorgan Chase, Bondi posted that SDNY U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton “is one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country, and I’ve asked him to take the lead.” The July memo had said DOJ found no evidence to predicate investigating uncharged third parties.
Sources: NBC News: Trump asks DOJ to investigate Epstein ties to Clinton, Summers, Hoffman, JPMorgan; OPB (AP): At Trump’s urging, Bondi says U.S. will investigate Epstein’s ties to political foes
· Donald Trump
Trump urges House vote to release files: “we have nothing to hide”
Shifting from months of opposition, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide.” He called the matter a “Democrat Hoax” and said it was time to move on.
Sources: Fox News: Trump calls on House Republicans to vote to release Epstein files: ‘We have nothing to hide’; Al Jazeera: Trump backs full release of Epstein files in sharp reversal; PolitiFact: How Donald Trump shifted on releasing the Epstein files
· Donald Trump
Trump says he would sign the Epstein files bill: “I’m all for it”
Asked in the Oval Office whether he would sign the bill requiring release of the files, Trump said, “I’m all for it” and “Sure I would.” He added, “don’t talk about it too much, because, honestly, I don’t want it to take away from us.”
Sources: ABC News: Trump says he would sign bill to release Epstein files if it reaches his desk
· Donald Trump
Trump says he threw Epstein out because he was “a sick pervert”
Asked in the Oval Office by ABC’s Mary Bruce why he did not release the files himself, Trump said, “I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. I threw him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert.” He also suggested ABC’s broadcast license be taken away.
Sources: Senate Democratic Leadership: Transcript: President Trump Holds a Bilat with Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, 11.18.25; Fox News: Trump erupts on ABC reporter over Epstein questions, suggests yanking network license
· Epstein case: key dates
House passes the bill 427 to 1
After President Trump reversed course and urged Republicans to support it, the House passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act 427 to 1. Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana cast the only no vote.
Sources: Spectrum News: House, Senate overwhelmingly approve bill to force release of Epstein files; Al Jazeera: US Congress approves release of Epstein files; Wikipedia: Epstein files
· Epstein case: key dates
Senate passes it by unanimous consent
Hours after the House vote, the Senate agreed by unanimous consent, at the request of Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to pass the bill once it arrived from the House, sending it to the President.
Sources: Spectrum News: House, Senate overwhelmingly approve bill; TIME: Senate unanimously passes bill to force Epstein files release
· Donald Trump
Trump signs the Epstein Files Transparency Act
Trump signed the bill and said in a statement, “Perhaps the truth about these Democrats and their associations with Jeffrey Epstein will soon be revealed, because I have just signed the bill to release the Epstein files.” He said the Justice Department had already given Congress “close to 50,000 pages.”
Sources: GovInfo (DCPD-202501133): Statement on Legislation Requiring the Release of Department of Justice Investigation Documents Pertaining to Deceased Convicted Sex Offender Jeffrey Epstein; ABC News: Trump says he signed Epstein bill
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Bondi cites “new information” as Trump signs files law
At a DOJ news conference the day Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Bondi said, “We have released over 33,000 Epstein documents to the Hill, and we will continue to follow the law and to have maximum transparency.” Asked why she opened a new probe after the July memo, she cited “new information, additional information,” without elaborating.
Sources: ABC News: Epstein files bill includes exceptions that could affect what gets released and when; Al Jazeera: Trump says he signed bill to release Epstein files
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Bongino announces he will leave the FBI in January
Bongino posted on X, “I will be leaving my position with the FBI in January,” thanking Trump, Bondi and Patel “for the opportunity to serve with purpose.” He had served less than a year. NBC noted he had considered resigning in July after the Epstein memo dispute.
Sources: NBC News: FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino says he will step down in January; AP (via Police1): FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino to resign in January
· Epstein case: key dates
Releases under the Transparency Act
The Justice Department published its Epstein library in stages, missing the December 19 deadline for a complete release, then pulled and restored material as redaction errors surfaced.
Sources: DOJ: Epstein Library, DOJ Disclosures; Wikipedia: Epstein files
· Epstein case: key dates
First release under the law, on deadline day
The department began posting several hundred thousand records, including photos, call logs, grand jury testimony and interview transcripts, many heavily redacted. Blanche said more would follow. Lawmakers of both parties criticized the partial release; Republican Rep. Thomas Massie wrote that officials were flouting the law.
Sources: PBS NewsHour (AP): Justice Department begins releasing long-awaited Epstein investigation files; CNN: December 19, 2025, Jeffrey Epstein files released; Fortune: Blanche defends the Justice Department's partial Epstein files release
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Blanche defends partial release: “Bring it on”
Two days after DOJ released only part of the files by the legal deadline, Blanche said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that ongoing review was “simply” to protect victims. On contempt threats from lawmakers, he said, “Bring it on. We are doing everything we’re supposed to be doing to comply with this statute.”
· Donald Trump
Trump calls release of photos of Clinton and others “a terrible thing”
In his first comments on the Justice Department’s December release, Trump said at Mar-a-Lago that publishing photos of Bill Clinton and others was “a terrible thing.” He said people pictured with Epstein “because he was at a party” could have their reputations ruined.
Sources: CBS News: Trump calls release of photos of Clinton and others in Epstein files “a terrible thing”
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Blanche releases 3 million pages: “We did not protect President Trump”
Announcing the release of more than 3 million pages, including over 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, Blanche said, “I can assure that we complied with the statute... we did not protect President Trump. We didn’t protect or not protect anybody.” He said there was “no oversight by the White House” of the review.
Sources: CBS News: DOJ releasing more than 3 million pages of records related to Jeffrey Epstein; Newsweek: What New Acting AG Todd Blanche Has Said About Epstein Files
· Howard Lutnick
Released Epstein files show 2012 plans for Lutnick island lunch
In the Justice Department’s January 30 release, emails showed Lutnick and Epstein planned a lunch on Epstein’s island, Little Saint James, on December 23, 2012, Reuters reported. Lutnick’s wife wrote “we are heading towards you from St. Thomas.” Emails also showed a planned drink in 2011 and a 2015 fundraiser invitation.
Sources: Reuters via GV Wire: Commerce Secretary Lutnick Planned Lunch on Epstein’s Island, New Release Shows; TIME: U.S. Commerce Secretary Confirms He Visited Epstein’s Island
· Donald Trump
Trump says new Epstein files “absolve me,” threatens to sue
Asked aboard Air Force One about the Justice Department’s latest Epstein release, Trump said he was told by “some very important people that not only does it absolve me, it’s the opposite of what people were hoping.” He said “we’ll probably sue” writer Michael Wolff, “and maybe the Epstein estate.”
Sources: Roll Call Factba.se: Press Gaggle: Donald Trump Speaks to Reporters on Board Air Force One, January 31, 2026; Salon via Yahoo News: “That’s not a friend”: Trump threatens lawsuit against Epstein estate for “conspiring” with Wolff; Fox News: Trump considers legal action against Michael Wolff and Epstein estate after latest document release
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Blanche: “It isn’t a crime to party with Mr. Epstein”
Discussing possible prosecutions after the January release on Fox News’s “The Ingraham Angle,” Blanche said “it isn’t a crime to party with Mr. Epstein” and “it’s not a crime to e-mail with Mr. Epstein.”
Sources: Yahoo News: Todd Blanche Tells Fox News, ‘It Isn’t a Crime to Party With Mr. Epstein’; Newsweek: What New Acting AG Todd Blanche Has Said About Epstein Files
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Back on his podcast, Bongino says the files lacked what he expected
In his first podcast episode after leaving the FBI, Bongino called the Epstein files a “level 10 problem” with no good solution. “I wanted to see the files, folks. I said don’t let it go. I meant it,” he said. “What we thought was going to be in there wasn’t in there.”
· Howard Lutnick
Files show Lutnick and Epstein invested in the same company in 2012
CBS News reported that the files show Lutnick and Epstein signed agreements on December 28, 2012 to acquire stakes in the ad-tech company Adfin, with related correspondence through at least 2014. Commerce said Lutnick “had limited interactions with Mr. Epstein in the presence of his wife and has never been accused of wrongdoing.”
Sources: CBS News: Lutnick and Epstein were in business together, Epstein files show
· Howard Lutnick
Rep. Massie says Lutnick “should just resign”
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, co-author of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, told CNN’s “Inside Politics Sunday” that Lutnick “should just resign” and “should make life easier on the president, frankly.” A Commerce spokesperson said Lutnick “had limited interactions with Mr. Epstein in the presence of his wife and has never been accused of wrongdoing.”
· Howard Lutnick
Lutnick confirms 2012 island lunch at Senate hearing
Questioned by Sen. Chris Van Hollen at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Lutnick said, “My wife was with me, as were my four children and nannies,” and confirmed they had lunch on the island for an hour in 2012. He said, “I did not have any relationship with him” and “I have done absolutely nothing wrong in any possible regard.”
Sources: NBC News: Under fire for Epstein ties, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defends visiting his private island; Al Jazeera: US Commerce Secretary Lutnick downplays Epstein ties amid resignation calls; TIME: U.S. Commerce Secretary Confirms He Visited Epstein’s Island
· Howard Lutnick
White House says Trump “fully supports” Lutnick
Asked at a White House briefing about Lutnick and the Epstein files, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “Secretary Lutnick remains a very important member of President Trump’s team, and the president fully supports the secretary.”
Sources: Scripps News: White House defends Commerce Secretary Lutnick amid news of Epstein ties; NBC News: Under fire for Epstein ties, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defends visiting his private island
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Bondi clashes with lawmakers as Epstein survivors look on
At a House Judiciary hearing attended by Epstein survivors, Bondi said, “I am deeply sorry for what any victim has been through, especially as a result of that monster,” but declined to apologize for survivors’ names exposed in releases. She called Rep. Jamie Raskin a “washed-up loser lawyer” and accused Rep. Thomas Massie of “Trump derangement syndrome.”
Sources: ABC News: Combative Bondi grilled over Epstein files, targeting of Trump’s political foes; Al Jazeera: Pam Bondi Epstein hearing: Key takeaways
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Bondi and Blanche tell Congress all Epstein files are released
In a report to the House and Senate Judiciary committees, Bondi and Blanche said DOJ had released all records required by the law and that none were withheld “on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.” The report listed more than 300 officials and politically exposed persons named in the files.
Sources: U.S. Department of Justice: Epstein Files Transparency Act Section 3 Report to Congress (PDF via Fox News); Fox News: AG Pam Bondi announces ‘all’ Epstein files have been released, listing over 300 high-profile names; UPI: No more Epstein files will be released, DOJ tells Congress
· Donald Trump
Trump says, “I have nothing to hide. I’ve been exonerated”
Asked aboard Air Force One about Hillary Clinton’s claim that his administration had something to hide, Trump said, “I have nothing to hide. I’ve been exonerated. I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein.”
· Howard Lutnick
Lutnick agrees to testify to House Oversight on Epstein
House Oversight Chairman James Comer announced that Lutnick would appear voluntarily for a transcribed interview in the committee’s Epstein investigation. Lutnick told Axios, “I look forward to appearing before the committee. I have done nothing wrong. And I want to set the record straight.”
Sources: House Oversight Committee: Chairman Comer Announces Secretary Lutnick to Appear Voluntarily for a Transcribed Interview; PBS News Hour: News Wrap: Lutnick will testify in House investigation into Epstein
· Epstein case: key dates
Removed files are restored
The department acknowledged taking down 47,635 files from the public library to redact personal information and sexual images, and said many would be reposted. About 50,000 files were back online by March 5.
Sources: Yahoo News: DOJ admits to removing nearly 48,000 Epstein files from database; Wikipedia: Epstein Files Transparency Act
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Trump removes Bondi as attorney general
Trump announced on Truth Social that Bondi was leaving: “We love Pam, and she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector.” His post did not mention Epstein. Deputy AG Todd Blanche became acting attorney general.
Sources: NBC News: Trump removes Bondi as attorney general; PBS News: Trump fires Bondi as attorney general
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Acting AG Blanche says Epstein should not be part of DOJ’s future
On the night Bondi was removed, Blanche told Fox News’s “Jesse Watters Primetime,” “I have never heard President Trump say that... anything that happened to her had anything to do with the Epstein files.” He added that the Epstein files “should not be a part of anything going forward.”
Sources: Fox News: Interim Attorney General Todd Blanche calls speculation surrounding Bondi’s firing ‘simply not true’; Newsweek: What New Acting AG Todd Blanche Has Said About Epstein Files
· Howard Lutnick
Lutnick tells House panel he met Epstein “only three times”
In a voluntary transcribed interview, Lutnick told House Oversight that in 14 years as Epstein’s neighbor “I interacted with him in person only three times,” each “meaningless and inconsequential.” He said his podcast account was correct and, “I, without my wife, was not in the room with him socially, for business, or philanthropy.”
Sources: House Oversight Committee: Transcribed interview of Howard Lutnick, May 6, 2026; NBC News: Howard Lutnick evasive during Epstein testimony, House Democrats say; House Oversight Committee: Oversight Committee Releases Waitt and Lutnick Transcripts
· Donald Trump
Trump refiles his $10 billion suit against the Wall Street Journal
After a federal judge dismissed his first suit in April for failing to show “actual malice,” Trump refiled his defamation case over the birthday-letter story. His legal team said he “will continue to hold those who mislead the American People with Fake News and smears accountable.”
Sources: UPI: Trump refiles lawsuit against Wall Street Journal over Epstein reporting; CNN via ABC17 News: Trump refiles $10 billion lawsuit over Wall Street Journal report on Epstein birthday letter
· Pam Bondi and the Justice Department
Bondi tells House panel she “delegated oversight” to Blanche
In a closed-door House Oversight interview, Bondi said, “I did not lead every aspect of this effort or conduct that document review myself,” and that she “delegated oversight over this process to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.” She said, “There were redaction errors,” and that “justice and transparency in this matter have been delivered.”
Sources: ABC News: Pam Bondi tells House Oversight panel that DOJ released all required Epstein files; OPB (NPR): Bondi doubles down on handling of Epstein files in testimony to Congress
· JD Vance
Vance on “The View”: “we want to release these files”
Asked about unreleased Epstein files and reported Situation Room meetings, Vance said, “we want to release these files, but you need the court approval in order to release the files.” He also said, “I am frankly kind of a conspiracy [theorist] on the Epstein stuff,” and that he wanted full transparency.
Sources: ABC News: Vance, on ‘The View,’ appears to acknowledge Situation Room meetings on Epstein files; ABC News via AOL: Vance, on ‘The View,’ appears to acknowledge Situation Room meetings on Epstein files
· Epstein case: key dates
Judge Sullivan orders DOJ to unredact or explain
Sullivan found Phang likely to succeed and ordered the department, by July 2, to remove or justify redactions in specific records, including eight emails and a draft indictment naming potential co-conspirators, to produce FBI interview notes and to publish a redaction log. The DOJ said it would appeal. News reports appeared June 26.
Sources: CBS News: Judge orders DOJ to either unredact more Epstein files or explain why; Courthouse News Service: Feds struggle to explain redactions in Epstein files compliance case
· JD Vance
Vance says “We absolutely screwed up the comms of the Epstein files”
On Joe Rogan’s podcast, Vance said the administration “absolutely screwed up the comms” on the Epstein files and that former Attorney General Pam Bondi “overstated what we had.” He added, “But do I think the reason we screwed up the comms is because we were trying to hide something? No.”
Sources: PBS News: Trump administration ‘screwed up’ Epstein files communication, Vance says; Al Jazeera: Epstein linked to Israeli ‘deep state’, US intel, says Vance: What we know
· Epstein case: key dates
Judge rejects Maxwell's habeas petition
In a 67-page opinion, Judge Engelmayer denied Maxwell's petition to vacate her conviction, which cited documents released under the Act, juror misconduct and the 2007 plea deal. He called it "demonstrably meritless" and based on "speculation, distortions, and/or outright falsehoods".
Sources: PBS NewsHour (AP): Federal judge rejects Ghislaine Maxwell's bid for prison release; ABC News: Judge rejects Ghislaine Maxwell's 'frivolous' attempt to overturn conviction
· Kash Patel and Dan Bongino (FBI)
Patel says the FBI has produced 3.5 million pages of Epstein records
At a Senate Judiciary oversight hearing, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse suggested the FBI had held back Epstein pages that mention Trump. Patel replied, “We have complied with the statute and the court orders and produced 3 1/2 million pages of documents for the first time ever.”
Sources: Courthouse News Service: Kash Patel grilled on Epstein, FBI staffing and bestiality policy in tense Senate hearing; ABC News (Australia): Epstein, FBI firings and bestiality: Key moments from Kash Patel’s US Senate grilling