A newly released photograph shows convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein clutching a giant novelty cheque for $22,500, which appears to bear the signature of former US President Donald Trump. The image was among thousands of documents and pictures made public by the US Department of Justice last night.
Details of the Latest Document Drop
The latest batch of Epstein files includes a framed photo where Epstein is seen grinning, wearing a USA jumper, with his arm around a woman whose face has been obscured. He holds an oversized cheque where the payer's name has been redacted, but the signature line clearly shows 'D. Trump'. The frame bears the repeated phrase "once in a blue moon".
Officials noted that the signature looks notably different from the one Trump uses today. The Department of Justice redacted certain details, including the name on the cheque and the woman's identity, before releasing the files. Donald Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his past association with Epstein, stating he ended the friendship years ago.
Other High-Profile Figures Featured
The extensive document release is not limited to Trump. Images also feature former US President Bill Clinton in various settings, including one where he is relaxing in a jacuzzi and another showing him swimming in an indoor pool at night with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former partner in crime. The time and location of these photos remain unknown.
Clinton has previously downplayed his connections to Epstein, acknowledging travel on the financier's private jet but denying, through a spokesperson, any knowledge of his criminal activities. The files also contained Epstein's contact book, where Trump's details were among those redacted.
Reactions and Ongoing Releases
The document release has sparked strong reactions. An Epstein victim accused Trump of a "cover-up", stating: "This is a betrayal. Survivors were promised everything, not crumbs, not delays, not another cover-up to protect powerful men."
While the DoJ was legally required to release all files related to the Epstein investigation, officials acknowledged that more documents will be made public in the coming weeks. Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that additional files are scheduled for release.
Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was officially ruled a suicide.
