A New York judge is poised to decide whether former US President Donald Trump will be compelled to answer questions under oath regarding his association with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The ruling, expected imminently, follows the release of newly unsealed court documents that have reignited scrutiny over Epstein's high-profile connections. Among those named in the files is Trump, though no allegations of wrongdoing have been made against him.
What the Documents Reveal
The recently disclosed legal papers include depositions and testimonies from Epstein's accusers, as well as details about his social circle. While Trump is mentioned, the context does not imply illegal activity on his part.
Legal experts suggest the judge's decision could hinge on whether Trump's testimony is deemed relevant to ongoing civil cases linked to Epstein's network.
Trump's Previous Comments
Trump has previously acknowledged knowing Epstein but distanced himself after the financier's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. "I knew him like everybody in Palm Beach knew him," Trump once remarked.
Should the judge rule in favour of questioning, Trump could face a deposition that may shed further light on their relationship.
Broader Implications
The Epstein scandal continues to reverberate through elite circles, with figures like Ghislaine Maxwell already convicted for her role in facilitating Epstein's crimes. This latest development keeps the spotlight firmly on unresolved questions about Epstein's powerful associates.
