Justice Dept. Admits Errors in Releasing Epstein Files with Trump Allegations

The Justice Department made errors in releasing Jeffrey Epstein documents. Some files with old claims against Donald Trump were not included at first. This is a change from the first release.
By Newsroom | Justice, United States |

The Department of Justice has released a batch of previously withheld documents connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case. These documents contain summaries of FBI interviews with a woman who made allegations of sexual assault against President Donald Trump decades ago. The department stated that 15 documents were initially miscategorized as duplicates, leading to their delayed inclusion in the public release.

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The release follows reports that certain files, specifically those detailing interviews with the accuser regarding Trump, were not initially included in the unredacted collection made available to lawmakers. This occurred despite a directive that prohibits withholding documents based on potential embarrassment or political sensitivity. The newly published materials consist of 16 pages, comprising three additional FBI interview summaries.

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The woman, who was approximately 13 years old when she alleges Epstein began abusing her, told FBI agents that Trump sexually assaulted her. She described an incident where Trump allegedly placed her head towards his penis and that she bit him in response. According to her account, Trump then struck her and told her to "get this little bitch the hell out of here." She also claimed to have had two further interactions with Trump. The woman’s allegations against Trump remain uncorroborated.

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The Justice Department maintains that all responsive documents have now been produced, unless they fall under categories such as duplicates, privilege, or involvement in an ongoing federal investigation. A senior Justice Department official noted that employees are still dedicating time to rectify redaction and posting errors in the Epstein files, even months after their initial release.

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During her interviews, the woman also shared other claims about Epstein, including alleged schemes to have her mother imprisoned, beatings, arranged sexual encounters, and a flight to New Jersey or New York where she claims the alleged assault by Trump occurred. It remains unclear if Trump and Epstein knew each other during the period the alleged incidents took place, and there is no indication Epstein ever resided in South Carolina. In a later interview, the woman declined to provide further details about her alleged interactions with Trump and broke off contact.

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The Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files has drawn scrutiny from both Democratic and Republican members of the House Oversight Committee, who have sought answers regarding the withholding of documents. This latest release comes shortly after the Republican-led House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi for testimony concerning the department’s management of the Epstein file disclosures. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Justice Department release more Epstein-related documents on May 28, 2024?
The Justice Department released 16 pages with three FBI interview summaries on May 28, 2024. They said 15 documents were wrongly marked as duplicates and were not included in the first public release.
Q: What do the newly released Epstein documents say about Donald Trump?
The documents include an FBI interview summary where a woman, who was 13 at the time of alleged abuse by Epstein, claimed Donald Trump sexually assaulted her decades ago. These claims are not proven.
Q: What is the Justice Department's explanation for the errors in the Epstein document release?
The Justice Department said that employees are still fixing mistakes in the Epstein files, like redaction and posting errors, even months after the first release. They stated all responsive documents have now been produced unless they are duplicates, privileged, or part of an ongoing investigation.
Q: Who is affected by the delayed release of these Epstein-related documents?
The public and lawmakers are affected because they did not get all the information at first. This also affects how people view the Justice Department's process for handling sensitive files.
Q: What happens next after the Justice Department admitted errors in the Epstein document release?
The Justice Department says all documents have now been released, except for those under specific exceptions. The House Oversight Committee had voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the management of these disclosures.