A new series of documents, collectively known as the 'Epstein files,' have been released by the US Department of Justice, revealing extensive details and renewed scrutiny on high-profile individuals linked to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. These releases, following an initial dump of documents, total thousands of pages, including emails, court transcripts, FBI records, and photographs, shedding light on investigations into Epstein's vast criminal enterprise.

Donald Trump is frequently mentioned across the newly disclosed files. An email from a senior US attorney dated January 7, 2020, highlighted that flight records indicated Trump traveled on Epstein’s private jet 'many more times than previously has been reported.' Specifically, he is listed as a passenger on at least eight flights between 1993 and 1996, with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s accomplice, present on at least four of these. Passengers also included Marla Maples, Tiffany Trump, and Eric Trump at various times. One 1993 flight listed only Trump and Epstein as passengers, while another included Epstein, Trump, and a then-20-year-old individual. Two other flights carried women identified as potential witnesses in a Ghislaine Maxwell case. Despite these references, being named in the files does not imply criminal wrongdoing. Trump has consistently denied any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities. The Department of Justice issued a statement clarifying that some claims against Trump in the documents were 'unfounded and false,' asserting that they were submitted to the FBI just before the 2020 election and would have been weaponized if credible. The DOJ stated its commitment to law and transparency in releasing the documents with legally required protections for victims.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, is also extensively featured in the released files. Documents include email exchanges from 2001 and 2002 between Maxwell and a correspondent identified as 'The Invisible Man,' signing off as 'A,' and writing from Balmoral. These communications, consistent with Andrew, discuss his departure from the Royal Navy in July 2001 and requests for 'inappropriate friends.' In one August 2001 message, 'A' explicitly asked Maxwell, 'Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?' Maxwell later replied that she had only found 'appropriate' friends, to which 'A' responded 'Distraught!'. A February 2002 exchange details a proposed trip to Peru, where Maxwell forwarded a message mentioning giving 'Andrew your telephone no.' 'A' also stated, 'as for girls well I leave that entirely to you and Juan Estoban!'. Another email from Maxwell in March 2002 referred to 'Andrew' desiring 'some 2 legged sight seeing (read intelligent pretty fun and from good families).' Photos taken at the time show Mountbatten-Windsor on a visit to Peru. US lawyers noted 'various factual inaccuracies' in Andrew’s accounts during their investigation. Furthermore, the US Department of Justice formally requested on April 3, 2020, that the UK Government compel Prince Andrew to answer questions regarding his relationships with Epstein and fashion mogul Peter Nygard. The request explicitly stated 'evidence that Prince Andrew engaged in sexual conduct involving one of Epstein's victims.' While not a target or suspect at the time, the letter warned of potential prosecution for false statements. Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, and photographs within the files show him in various contexts, including one depicting him lying across five women at a black-tie event with Maxwell present.

A disturbing letter purportedly written by Epstein to Larry Nassar, the disgraced US gymnastics team doctor, was also uncovered. Postmarked August 13, 2019, from 'J Epstein' at 'Manhattan Correctional' to 'Larry Nassar,' the letter read: 'Dear L.N. as you know by now, I have taken the ‘short route’ home. Good Luck! We share one thing … our love & caring for young ladies at the hope they’d reach their full potential. Our president also shares our love of young, nubile girls. When a young beauty walked by he loved to ‘grab snatch,’ whereas we ended up snatching grub in the mess halls of the system. Life is unfair. Yours, J. Epstein.' Epstein was found dead three days prior on August 10, 2019, a death ruled a suicide. The FBI later requested a handwriting analysis to verify the letter's authorship.

The process of releasing these files has been met with significant criticism. The Department of Justice has faced bipartisan outrage from Democrats and Republicans, including co-sponsors of the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA), for perceived delays and heavy redactions. Victims' groups expressed disappointment that only a 'fraction' of the files were released, 'riddled with abnormal and extreme redactions.' Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche attributed delays to the necessity of redacting over 1,000 victims' identities. Former President Bill Clinton is also featured prominently in the documents, with images including him relaxing in a hot tub and at parties with women. A spokesman for Clinton, Angel Urena, urged the immediate release of all remaining Clinton-related materials, implying 'selective releases to imply wrongdoing.' Clinton has denied knowledge of Epstein's sex offending, with his spokesman asserting that Clinton cut ties with Epstein before his crimes came to light. Trump himself defended Clinton and others mentioned, stating he disliked seeing pictures of people who 'innocently met Jeffrey Epstein years ago' being exposed. The various investigations covered in the files include a 2005 Palm Beach police inquiry, a 2008 federal plea deal, and the 2019 Manhattan inquiry cut short by Epstein's death.