Former US President Denies Knowledge of Epstein Document Mentions
Former US President Donald Trump stated Friday he was 'never briefed' about his name appearing in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier convicted of sex trafficking who died in prison in 2019. The remarks followed a Wall Street Journal report alleging Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Trump in May about his multiple mentions in Epstein-related Justice Department files.
White House Offers Contradictory Statements
Initial White House responses labeled the report 'fake news,' but officials later acknowledged Trump’s name appeared in materials Bondi compiled earlier this year. A Justice Department memo this month stated there was 'no basis' to continue investigating Epstein’s case, sparking criticism from some Trump supporters who demanded transparency about high-profile figures linked to Epstein.
Historical Ties Resurface
Trump’s social ties to Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s have drawn renewed scrutiny. Flight logs and contact books from Epstein’s criminal trial list Trump and family members among hundreds of associates. During Ghislaine Maxwell’s 2022 trial, Epstein’s pilot testified Trump flew on Epstein’s plane multiple times—a claim Trump denies.
Political Repercussions
The administration’s reversal on releasing Epstein files has intensified backlash, particularly among conservative circles. Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the files contained no grounds for further action but confirmed Trump was briefed 'as part of routine updates.'
