Former US President Donald Trump has firmly denied any connections to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of court documents that have reignited public scrutiny.
The newly unsealed files, part of a long-running legal case involving Epstein, have prompted fresh questions about high-profile figures linked to the disgraced billionaire. However, Trump's camp has dismissed the documents as irrelevant, with allies in the Republican Party downplaying their significance.
Republican Response
Senior Republicans have rallied behind Trump, arguing that the documents contain no substantial evidence linking him to Epstein's crimes. "This is nothing more than a desperate attempt to smear the former president," one GOP source claimed.
Trump himself took to social media to refute the allegations, stating, "I had no relationship with Epstein other than knowing him like everyone else in Palm Beach did."
Public Reaction
The release of the files has sparked renewed debate over Epstein's extensive network of powerful associates. While some critics have called for further investigation, others argue the focus should remain on Epstein's victims.
Legal experts suggest the documents are unlikely to result in new charges but may keep the scandal in public discourse ahead of the 2024 election.
