Overview
- Attorney General Pam Bondi faced a heated House hearing over delayed releases, withheld files and redactions that hid possible perpetrators while exposing victims, though the DOJ has since lifted some name redactions.
- After viewing the full files, Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna said at least six male names were concealed and Massie warned he may reveal them if the Justice Department does not act.
- A newly surfaced 2019 FBI interview summary quotes Donald Trump telling police in 2006 that “everybody knew” what Epstein was doing, undercutting his past denials, and Kash Patel’s prior claims about the files and Trump’s mentions have been contradicted by the releases.
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledged a 2012 visit to Epstein’s private island, reversing earlier statements that he severed ties in 2005, drawing resignation calls even as Trump voiced support.
- Ghislaine Maxwell invoked the Fifth before a House panel and the White House said a pardon is not a priority, while European fallout intensified with new probes, resignations and the Council of Europe lifting Thorbjørn Jagland’s immunity.