Congressional Democrats released 19 new photographs from the properties of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. The images feature prominent figures including now-President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton, escalating a political battle as a legal deadline for a massive document release nears.
The House Oversight Committee Democrats stated they are reviewing over 95,000 images provided by the estate. In a statement, Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA) said, “These disturbing photos raise even more questions about Epstein and his relationships with some of the most powerful men in the world.” The release is part of an ongoing effort to pressure the Justice Department to make all related files public.
What do the newly released photos show?
The batch includes three photographs of Donald Trump. One shows him smiling with several women, whose faces have been redacted, on either side of him. Another depicts Trump standing beside Jeffrey Epstein. A third, less clear image shows Trump seated with another woman, his red tie loosened. The exact timing and locations of the photos are not specified. Other notable figures in the images include former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers.
How are political figures responding?
The release immediately triggered a fierce partisan exchange. A spokesperson for the committee’s Republican chairman, James Comer, accused Democrats of “cherry-picking photos and making targeted redactions to create a false narrative about President Trump.” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson countered, stating Trump’s administration “has done more for Epstein’s victims than Democrats ever have,” and challenged the media to question Democrats about their own associations.
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What is the context of the broader Epstein investigation?
The Justice Department is under a congressional mandate to release unclassified files from its federal Epstein investigation by December 19. This deadline was set by a bipartisan bill that President Trump signed into law last month. Democrats argue that full transparency is essential, while Republicans accuse them of a politically motivated selective release ahead of the official disclosure.
What has been Trump’s connection to the Epstein scandal?
Trump and Epstein knew each other socially in the 1990s and early 2000s. Trump says he cut off contact well before Epstein’s 2008 prostitution conviction and denies any knowledge of sex trafficking involving minors. Still, the issue remains politically sensitive. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found only half of Republicans approve of his handling of the matter, significantly lower than his overall approval within the party.
What happens next?
The congressional committee indicates it will continue to release materials. The major focal point, however, is the Justice Department’s mandated release of files by next week. Democrats vow to continue pushing for complete disclosure, with Rep. Garcia demanding, “The Department of Justice must release all the files, NOW.”
FAQs
Q: What is the deadline for the Justice Department to release Epstein files?
A: The Justice Department is legally required to release unclassified documents from its Epstein investigation by December 19, 2024.
Q: Did the new photos include evidence of criminal activity?
A: The released photos show social interactions but do not contain explicit evidence of criminal activity. Their purpose, according to Democrats, is to highlight associations and push for full transparency.
Q: Why were some faces in the photos redacted?
A: Congressional Democrats stated they redacted the faces of women to protect the identities of Epstein’s potential victims.
Q: How has Donald Trump responded to past questions about Epstein?
A: Trump has said he ended his friendship with Epstein years before Epstein’s first conviction and has repeatedly denied any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s crimes.