File photo of Donald Trump with Jeffrey Epstein.
This year, the Justice Department reviewed numerous documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein, identifying several mentions of President Donald Trump, according to official sources cited by The Wall Street Journal. In May, Attorney General Pam Bondi informed the president during a meeting at the White House that his name appeared in Epstein’s files along with other prominent figures, though without evidence of misconduct.
During that meeting, Trump was notified that the documents contained «unverified hearsay about several individuals, including himself», and that authorities did not intend to release further information because they included sensitive material about victims and child pornography. According to a 7 July memo shared by the DOJ and FBI, a thorough review found no incriminating «client list» or evidence of additional criminal conduct.
In his statement, Bondi said: «During our routine briefing, we informed the president of the findings. He added, however, that the documents contained «child pornography and personal information about the victims», which prevented their release.
Republicans have called for the release of all files related to the Epstein case (AFP).
The revelation stirred up major controversy. Trump’s team leaders pushed for the release of the files, arguing they would have implicated him and «global elites,» while others blamed their withholding on political connections within the DOJ and FBI. Even FBI director Kash Patel and his deputy, Dan Bongino, were said to support more transparency, causing internal disputes.
The refusal to publish listings has been branded by Trump supporters as a cover-up.
According to ABC News, «Bondi and Bongino had a tense conversation» at the White House, after which Bongino even considered resigning, according to close sources.
Last Friday, the DOJ formally requested the declassification of the grand jury transcripts linked to the Epstein and Maxwell cases, citing «public interest» and raising possible redactions to protect victims Department of Justice. Bondi and Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Blanche signed the petition, describing it as «consistent with the thorough review» conducted by the agencies.
Blanche, via X, dismissed rumours of disputes between him, Patel and Bongino and said «we all signed the joint memo» on 7 July. Meanwhile, Trump called for speeding up the release of grand jury records – single record – and defended Bondi amid domestic criticism.
Democratic Senator Dick Durbin accused Bondi of urging the FBI to search for Trump-related documents and «flag them», something that may have been an attempt to protect him, The Daily Beast reported.
On the other hand, the lack of a record of the «client list» contradicts the expectation generated by figures such as Elon Musk, who hinted that this would be the reason for the reluctance to reveal more files.
While some sectors insist on uncovering the hidden truth, others support the DOJ’s position, prioritising the protection of victims. Bondi stated that there is insufficient evidence to justify «further investigation or charges against unindicted third parties» at this time.
