U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release any remaining files linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein that name Democratic figures, arguing that full disclosure would expose political opponents and end what he described as years of selective scrutiny.
Trump made the remarks as the Justice Department continues reviewing and releasing records from its investigation into Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges related to the trafficking of underage girls. The case has remained a source of intense public interest because of Epstein’s past associations with wealthy and powerful individuals.
Posting on social media, Trump urged prosecutors to make public any documents implicating Democrats, saying the focus should be on “who worked with Epstein” and not on what he called politically motivated attacks against Republicans. He framed the document review process as a distraction from other national priorities.
The DOJ began releasing batches of Epstein-related records last week, explaining that millions of pages of material must be carefully reviewed to protect the identities of victims and comply with legal standards. Officials have said additional disclosures are expected as the review continues.
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Among the documents already made public are references to Trump, including records indicating he took flights on Epstein’s private jet in the 1990s, a period when the two were known to have social contact. Trump has previously acknowledged knowing Epstein but has said he severed ties years before Epstein’s legal troubles intensified.
The renewed attention to the files has reignited political debate in Washington, with Trump allies arguing that the disclosures show the issue cuts across party lines. Supporters of the president say any names found in the records should be released regardless of political affiliation.
Democrats and civil liberties advocates, however, have called for transparency that is not driven by partisan rhetoric. Some have argued that all relevant files should be made public in a consistent manner, while ensuring victims’ privacy is protected.
The controversy has also drawn responses from figures named in past reporting on Epstein’s social circle, with some calling for the release of all documents related to them to put speculation to rest. The episode underscores how Epstein’s legacy continues to reverberate years after his death.
Legal experts note that appearing in Epstein-related records does not, on its own, indicate criminal wrongdoing, as many documents reflect social or business interactions rather than evidence of illegal conduct. They caution against drawing conclusions without context.
As the Justice Department proceeds with its review, Trump’s demand for broader disclosure is likely to keep the Epstein files at the center of political debate, highlighting the unresolved tensions between transparency, accountability, and the risk of politicizing a complex criminal investigation.
