Top House Democrats have demanded the US Justice Department release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's sex-trafficking case that mention Donald Trump, accusing officials of withholding materials to protect the president. The letter, led by Representative Jamie Raskin and signed by 15 other Democrats, was sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday.
The lawmakers cited a since-deleted post by Elon Musk, who claimed Trump is referenced in the Epstein files and that this is the real reason they have not been made public. The letter also called for the full release of former special counsel Jack Smith's report into Trump's handling of classified documents, arguing Bondi has used the department to shield the president.
No evidence has emerged linking Trump to Epstein beyond what is already known. The Justice Department and FBI issued a memo on Monday stating no secret client list exists, reaffirming the 2019 conclusion that Epstein died by suicide. Video footage of Epstein's cell hallway was released, but a clock jump from 11:58:58pm to 12:00am was not explained.
The release of Epstein files has been a focus for the Trump administration after Bondi hyped damaging details. However, a first batch of documents handed to selected figures at the White House contained no new information, drawing ridicule. Bondi then promised further releases, but the second batch also fell flat, with the Monday memo contradicting her statements.
With Democrats in the minority, the request is unlikely to be fulfilled. Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee have instead investigated Justice Department cases against Trump, including interviewing former prosecutor Jay Bratt, who invoked his Fifth Amendment rights.
