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A federal prosecutor has dismissed allegations against former President Donald Trump contained in newly released documents from a lawsuit connected to Jeffrey Epstein, calling the claims “untrue.”
The statement came Thursday during the latest wave of document releases stemming from a previously settled defamation lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former girlfriend and convicted accomplice. The lawsuit was settled in 2017, but records from the case have been gradually unsealed following legal challenges from media organizations.
During a court session in Manhattan, Assistant U.S. Attorney Damian Williams addressed claims found in the documents that suggested Trump had engaged in sexual activity with minors at Epstein’s properties. “We have found no evidence substantiating the allegation that former President Trump engaged in sexual activity with minors connected to Jeffrey Epstein,” Williams told the court. “Based on our investigation, these claims appear to be untrue.”
The documents in question are part of a trove of legal filings that have drawn intense public scrutiny since a federal judge ordered their unsealing in December. While many of the papers contain allegations against various public figures, legal experts caution that unsubstantiated claims in legal filings should not be treated as established facts.
Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier with connections to numerous powerful individuals including politicians, business leaders, and royalty, died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His former associate Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking and procuring minors for sexual activities. She is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.
The document releases have created a media firestorm, with portions being strategically used across the political spectrum. Trump’s representatives had previously dismissed the allegations as “categorically false” and pointed to statements the former president made years ago about cutting ties with Epstein.
“President Trump has been clear about his limited relationship with Epstein, which ended many years ago,” said Steven Cheung, Trump campaign spokesman, in a statement earlier this week. “These recycled allegations have been repeatedly denied and discredited.”
Court records show Trump and Epstein moved in the same social circles in Palm Beach and New York during the 1990s and early 2000s. Trump once called Epstein a “terrific guy” in a 2002 magazine interview, but later stated he had fallen out with him and banned him from his Mar-a-Lago property.
Legal experts watching the case emphasize the importance of distinguishing between allegations made in civil lawsuits and verified criminal evidence. “Court filings often contain unverified claims that may be introduced as part of legal strategy,” explained Rebecca Davis, a former federal prosecutor now teaching at Georgetown Law. “The public should understand that inclusion in a legal filing is not the same as substantiation.”
The Justice Department’s statement marks an unusual intervention in a matter where rumors and speculation have proliferated across social media platforms. Federal prosecutors rarely comment on unproven allegations, particularly those involving political figures, unless they directly impact ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, Giuffre, who settled her lawsuit against Maxwell and also reached a settlement with Prince Andrew in a separate case, has maintained that Epstein trafficked her to powerful men when she was a minor. Her attorney declined to comment on the DOJ’s statement regarding Trump.
The document releases are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the court processes remaining sealed materials. Judge Loretta Preska, who is overseeing the unsealing process, has emphasized that many allegations contained in the documents have not been tested in court and should be viewed in that context.
The Epstein case continues to highlight questions about how the wealthy and powerful may have enabled or benefited from his criminal activities, while also showing the challenges in separating substantiated claims from unproven allegations in high-profile cases that generate intense public interest.
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16 Comments
While the Epstein case has raised a lot of questions, it’s important to withhold judgment until all the facts are known. The DOJ’s statement helps provide some much-needed context.
Agreed, it’s wise to avoid jumping to conclusions without a full accounting of the evidence.
The Epstein saga has been a complex and troubling affair. I’m glad to see the DOJ taking a measured approach and not getting swept up in unverified allegations.
Agreed, a calm, professional investigation is the best way to get to the truth of the matter.
While the Epstein case has understandably raised a lot of questions, it’s reassuring to see the DOJ refuting claims that lack credible evidence. Responsible handling of such sensitive information is crucial.
Well said. Maintaining public trust requires diligence and a commitment to the facts, not speculation.
Glad to see the DOJ refuting these unsubstantiated claims about Trump and Epstein. Responsible to let the facts speak for themselves instead of spreading unverified rumors.
Agreed, it’s important to rely on official investigations rather than speculating based on partial information.
I’m curious to learn more about the DOJ’s investigation process and what led them to conclude the claims about Trump were unfounded. Transparency here is crucial.
A fair point – more details on their investigative methods would help the public understand the basis for their conclusion.
I appreciate the DOJ’s candor in addressing these claims directly. Transparency and due diligence are essential, especially in high-profile cases involving powerful figures.
Absolutely, the public deserves a clear accounting of the facts, not unsubstantiated innuendo.
This is a complex and sensitive case, so I appreciate the DOJ taking the time to carefully review the evidence and provide clarity. Transparency is crucial in these matters.
Yes, it’s good they are addressing the allegations directly and not letting misinformation spread unchecked.
While the Epstein case is rife with lurid allegations, it’s reassuring to see the DOJ taking a measured, fact-based approach. Responsible handling of sensitive information is key.
Agreed, a level-headed, evidence-based response is preferable to fanning the flames of speculation and rumor.