US President Donald Trump called on the Justice Department to publicly release the names of Democrats linked to Jeffrey Epstein, saying the release should be used to “embarrass” them as the government continues to release records linked to the disgraced financier.
On November 19, Trump signed legislation ordering the release of federal records related to Epstein, who died by suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. The law required the documents to be released within 30 days.
Millions of Epstein documents redacted
The Justice Department began releasing records related to Epstein on Dec. 19, releasing hundreds of thousands of pages so far. But officials said millions of other documents remain under review.
On December 24, the department said the FBI and federal prosecutors had identified more than one million additional documents related to Epstein and warned that it would take weeks to process them before release.
The slow pace has prompted some lawmakers to accuse the Trump administration of violating the Disclosure Act.
Trump hits out at Truth Social
In response to the update, Trump posted an angry message on Dec. 27 on Truth Social, accusing Democrats of using the Epstein case as a political distraction.
“Now 1,000,000 more pages about Epstein have been found. The DOJ is being forced to spend all their time on this Democrat-inspired hoax,” Trump wrote.
“The Dems are the ones who worked with Epstein, not the Republicans. Release all their names, embarrass them and get back to helping our country!”
He also accused Democrats of trying to distract from what he called Republican achievements.
“The Radical Left doesn’t want people talking about TRUMP & REPUBLICAN SUCCESS, only the long dead Jeffrey Epstein – Just another witch hunt!!!”
Christmas message targets ‘slimy bags’
In an earlier Truth Social post over Christmas, Trump used even harsher language, targeting Epstein’s former associates.
“Merry Christmas to all, including the many Sleazebags who loved Jeffrey Epstein, gave him wads of cash, went to his island, attended his parties,” Trump wrote.
“When their names are released … and it turns out they’re all Democrats, there’s going to be a lot of explaining to do.”
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Trump, Clinton mentioned in released files
Epstein, a wealthy and well-connected financier, was associated with many powerful figures across politics, business and entertainment. He had a long-term friendship with Trump before the two later parted ways.
Some of the newly released documents mention Trump, including references to flights on Epstein’s private jet. Other records include photographs of former Democratic President Bill Clinton and other prominent figures.
Many of the documents published so far are heavily redacted.
Authorities have not charged Trump or Clinton with any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
The DOJ review is ongoing
The Justice Department said it was continuing to review the remaining Epstein-related material to comply with the Disclosure Act, although it did not provide a firm timetable for the release of the remaining documents.
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