Withheld Epstein files with accusations against Trump released by justice department
Withheld Epstein Files Containing Accusations Against Trump Now Public
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has disclosed FBI summaries of interviews with a woman who leveled unverified sexual assault claims against Donald Trump, as part of its broader release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents. This disclosure comes after media outlets highlighted the absence of these files from the DOJ’s database, sparking accusations from Democrats that officials had concealed information to protect Trump.
The DOJ explained the delay by stating that the files were “mistakenly withheld” during an initial review, as they were labeled “incorrectly coded as duplicative.” The summaries detail conversations from 2019 with the woman, who alleges that both Trump and Epstein sexually assaulted her between the ages of 13 and 15. According to one memo, she claimed to have met Trump through Epstein in the 1980s while still a teenager. FBI agents did not follow up with her after the sessions, as noted in the records.
“These claims are completely baseless and backed by zero credible evidence,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in response to the newly shared allegations. She emphasized that Trump had been “totally exonerated” by the Epstein files, adding that the Justice Department under the Biden administration had not pursued charges against him because “they knew President Trump did absolutely nothing wrong.”
The files, which include thousands of references to Trump, also feature emails and letters from Epstein himself. Despite the revelations, Trump remains uncharged by survivors who have come forward so far. The release expands beyond witness interviews, incorporating a list of allegations reported to the DOJ’s national Threat Operation Center tip line. Many of these claims, however, appear to rely on unconfirmed tips and lack supporting evidence.
Following a January release of some Epstein files, the DOJ noted that certain documents contained “untrue and sensationalist claims” against Trump, submitted to the FBI just before the 2020 election. Officials stressed that these allegations were “unfounded and false,” suggesting any credibility they might have would have already been used against Trump.
Recent reports by NPR and the New York Times indicate that three interview summaries—spanning over 50 pages—were initially omitted from the DOJ’s website. These documents were linked to investigations into Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who was imprisoned in 2022 for sex trafficking. The DOJ’s withholding of the files has now been rectified, following pressure from media scrutiny.
Meanwhile, a House committee has voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi, seeking clarification on the DOJ’s management of Epstein files. This bipartisan move follows the passage of a law in November requiring the release of all materials from Epstein-related investigations. Millions of documents have since been made public, offering a comprehensive look into the case.
