DOJ Releases Epstein files, Calls Claims Against Trump 'Untrue'

The US Justice Department has released nearly 30,000 additional pages of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein, marking the largest disclosure to date. However, the release is most notable for a statement regarding the DOJ Epstein files, in which the department explicitly labeled specific sensational allegations against Trump as untrue and 'unfounded.' While the documents confirm historical travel on Epstein's jet, officials took the rare step of debunking recent tips submitted before the 2020 election. The "Untrue" Claims According to the newly released material, an FBI intake report dated October 27, 2020, details a tip from a former limousine driver. The driver reportedly described a "disturbing phone conversation" involving Trump and Epstein that he claimed to have overheard in 1995. Furthermore, the driver's account alleges that a woman involved in the incident later died by suicide in January 2000 after contacting the police. However, in a rare move accompanying the release, the DOJ issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday to address these specific files. The department clarified that the batch includes "untrue and sensationalist claims made against President Trump that individuals submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election." The DOJ was blunt in its assessment, stating that the allegations lack any credible basis. "To be clear: the claims are unfounded and false, and if they had a shred of credibility, opponents certainly would have weaponized them against President Trump already," the department stated. Despite the falsity of the claims, the DOJ noted it released the records to comply with legal transparency requirements, while still maintaining protections for Epstein’s verified victims. Documented Ties vs. New Allegations Significantly, the files distinguish between verified historical records and unverified tips. For instance, prosecutors included emails pointing out the flights Trump took on Epstein’s private jet during the 1990s. While records clearly document Trump’s association with Epstein during that era, his inclusion in flight logs or social records does not constitute an accusation of illegal behavior. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. In public statements this week, the President dismissed the renewed focus on the case as a distraction orchestrated by Democrats. He asserted that he "cut ties" with Epstein long before the financier's arrest in 2019. The Push for Transparency Meanwhile, the Justice Department faces continued pressure from Democrats to release the full bulk of the Epstein archive. Supporters of the Transparency Act argue that the public holds a right to see government records, even if those records contain unverified or salacious claims. This latest release follows criticism regarding an earlier batch of records, some of which authorities temporarily removed from the online portal to protect victims' identities. Subsequently, officials restored those files after determining that the disputed photos did not depict victims.