The release of a massive trove of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigations has ignited a political firestorm, with former President Donald Trump asserting that the materials "absolve" him of any wrongdoing. This comes as a top official at the Department of Justice (DOJ) indicated that the agency's review of the matter is now concluded.
DOJ Official Downplays Further Prosecution
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously served as Trump's criminal defense attorney, acknowledged the disturbing nature of the released files. He described the existence of "horrible photographs" and troubling email correspondence but emphasised that this evidence does not automatically lead to criminal charges.
"There's a lot of correspondence. There's a lot of emails. There's a lot of photographs. There's a lot of horrible photographs that appear to be taken by Mr. Epstein or people around him," Blanche stated in an interview with CNN. "But that doesn't allow us necessarily to prosecute somebody."
Trump's Reaction and Document Details
Trump, who is mentioned over 3,000 times in the latest document dump, claimed that the files not only clear his name but represent the "opposite" of what his political opponents had hoped for. The DOJ has noted that some documents contain unverified and sensationalist claims against the former president, who has consistently denied any misconduct and has never been formally accused of a crime linked to Epstein.
"I didn't see it myself but I was told by some very important people that not only does it absolve me, it's the opposite of what people were hoping, you know, the radical left," Trump remarked.
Mounting Pressure on Prince Andrew and Lord Mandelson
The released files have also intensified scrutiny on Prince Andrew and Lord Peter Mandelson. Images within the documents appear to show Prince Andrew crouched over an unidentified woman lying on the floor. Additionally, emails suggest he invited Epstein to dinner at Buckingham Palace and agreed to meet a young Russian woman.
Lord Mandelson has resigned his membership of the Labour Party to avoid causing "further embarrassment" following revelations about his connections to Epstein. The files indicate that Epstein made payments totalling $75,000 to Mandelson between 2003 and 2004, though Mandelson has questioned the authenticity of these records.
International and Political Fallout
The scandal has extended beyond US borders, with Slovakia's national security adviser, Miroslav Lajcak, resigning after emails discussing young women with Epstein were revealed. He denied any criminal or unethical behaviour but stepped down to prevent political damage to Prime Minister Robert Fico.
In the United States, lawmakers are expressing frustration over the document release process. Representative Ro Khanna warned that only about half of the files have been made public, threatening contempt charges if the full disclosure is not completed. Meanwhile, Democratic representative Jamie Raskin condemned the DOJ's actions as a "full-blown cover-up," demanding transparency and access to unredacted materials.
The ongoing controversy underscores the complex legal and political ramifications of the Epstein case, with key figures facing renewed pressure and the justice system under scrutiny for its handling of sensitive information.
