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DOJ Warns of False Information in Latest Epstein Files Release
The Department of Justice issued a warning Tuesday regarding the latest batch of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, stating that some files contained “untrue and sensationalist claims” about President Donald Trump that the FBI received prior to the 2020 election.
“To be clear: the claims are unfounded and false, and if they had a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already,” the DOJ stated on social media. The department emphasized that it published the documents due to its “commitment to the law and transparency.”
Among the controversial documents was an email from January 7, 2020, written by an unnamed federal prosecutor with the Southern District of New York. The email alleged that Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet at least eight times during the 1990s, sometimes accompanied by Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. According to the prosecutor, two flights reportedly included passengers who were “possible witnesses in a Maxwell case.”
The prosecutor noted that the U.S. attorney’s office “didn’t want any of this to be a surprise down the road.” The documents also referenced several tips provided to the FBI about Trump’s alleged involvement with Epstein in the early 2000s, though Trump has previously stated he ended his friendship with Epstein before the latter faced criminal charges.
It remains unclear whether authorities corroborated any of this information or used it in prosecutions of Epstein or Maxwell. Maxwell was convicted of trafficking minors in 2021, while Epstein died in prison in 2019, with authorities ruling his death a suicide.
The document release is part of the DOJ’s ongoing compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed last month, which mandated a 30-day deadline for releasing all unclassified materials related to the cases. Since Friday, tens of thousands of pages have been made public on a government website.
One particularly unusual document was a letter purportedly written by Epstein to Larry Nassar, the former physician and convicted child molester. The letter, postmarked three days after Epstein’s death, contained a reference to Trump: “Our president also shares our love of young, nubile girls.” The DOJ included an FBI request for handwriting analysis of this document, suggesting questions about its authenticity.
The latest batch of files also contained several photos of former President Bill Clinton, including images of him in a pool and hot tub. In response, a Clinton spokesperson demanded the DOJ release all remaining files, arguing that withholding documents would prove the department “was not about transparency, but about insinuation.” The spokesperson emphasized that Clinton’s name has been “repeatedly” cleared by prosecutors.
The implementation of the transparency bill has sparked controversy across political lines. The legislation allows the DOJ to withhold victim information and material that could jeopardize ongoing investigations or litigation, as well as information related to national defense or foreign policy. However, it specifically directs the department not to redact details that might be damaging to high-profile or politically connected individuals.
Critics have expressed frustration over what they perceive as excessive redactions and the DOJ’s failure to meet the December 19 statutory deadline for releasing all files. The department has indicated that additional documents will be made available by the new year.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the missed deadline on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday, citing “well-settled law” that supported the DOJ’s position. He explained that additional time was needed to fulfill other legal requirements, such as redacting information that could identify victims.
The ongoing release of Epstein-related documents continues to generate intense public interest, as it provides glimpses into the network of powerful figures who had connections to the disgraced financier while raising questions about the extent and nature of those relationships.
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14 Comments
The DOJ’s caution about potential false claims in the Epstein files is a prudent move. We should be wary of sensationalist allegations and wait for the facts to be established before drawing conclusions.
Well said. Maintaining objectivity and following the evidence is essential, especially when dealing with such high-profile and politically charged cases.
The DOJ’s warning about potential false claims in the Epstein files is a prudent move. In sensitive cases like this, it’s essential that we rely on verified facts and avoid being swayed by unsubstantiated allegations, even if they involve high-profile individuals.
Absolutely. Maintaining objectivity and following the evidence, rather than succumbing to sensationalism, is crucial for ensuring the integrity of the investigation and the public discourse.
The DOJ’s statement is a good reminder to be skeptical of sensationalist claims, even when they involve high-profile individuals. We should wait for verified facts before drawing conclusions.
Agreed. Jumping to conclusions based on unsubstantiated allegations is unwise, regardless of who is involved.
The DOJ’s statement highlights the need for caution when it comes to the Epstein files. While transparency is crucial, we must ensure that any allegations, especially those involving public figures, are thoroughly investigated and verified before drawing conclusions.
Well said. Jumping to conclusions based on unproven claims, no matter how sensational, is unwise and can lead to the spread of misinformation.
The DOJ’s warning is a good reminder to approach the Epstein files with a critical eye. Transparency is important, but we must be careful not to spread unverified information, no matter who it involves.
Exactly. In such a sensitive case, it’s vital that we rely on credible, fact-based sources rather than unsubstantiated claims.
Interesting that the DOJ is warning about potential false claims in the Epstein files. Transparency is good, but we should be cautious about unverified allegations, especially regarding high-profile figures.
Absolutely, it’s critical to ensure accuracy and avoid spreading misinformation, even if the documents are being publicly released.
It’s concerning to hear that the Epstein files may contain false claims about Trump. The DOJ’s warning highlights the importance of fact-checking and not spreading unverified information, even if it’s politically charged.
Absolutely. In these sensitive cases, it’s crucial that we rely on official sources and verified evidence, not rumors or speculation.