US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration over the release of new Justice Department files linking various figures to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, arguing that some individuals pictured with Epstein had no wrongdoing and that the disclosures are unfairly damaging reputations. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate on December 22, Trump criticised the inclusion of former President Bill Clinton in the files, calling it “terrible,” and blamed Democrats—and a few Republicans—for pushing the release.
The newly disclosed documents, released on December 19, include thousands of photos, phone records, and investigative notes, though much of the material was heavily redacted. Critics argue that the partial release appears selective, raising suspicions that the Department of Justice is protecting certain individuals, including Trump, who was once acquainted with Epstein.
Trump emphasised that he ended his friendship with Epstein years ago and accused political opponents of using the controversy to attack him. Congressional critics, including Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, threatened to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt for failing to fully release the files, arguing that the incomplete disclosure undermines transparency and justice for Epstein’s victims.
Survivors of Epstein’s abuse also condemned the limited release, claiming it violates the law and denies victims access to the full scope of documents. Trump, meanwhile, described the controversy as politically motivated and expressed frustration at the ongoing scrutiny, asserting that many Republicans are angry at how the issue is being used against him.
