The U.S. Justice Department has released a massive new batch of records tied to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, reopening scrutiny of what federal authorities knew about his abuse of underage girls and his long-standing connections with wealthy and influential figures.
The latest disclosure — titled Epstein files: Trump, Howard Lutnick, Steve Tisch among high-profile figures named in latest Justice Department release — runs into millions of pages and has already reignited criticism from lawmakers and survivors who say transparency remains incomplete.
DOJ Unveils Millions of Pages, Videos, and Images
According to Todd Blanche, the Justice Department released more than 3 million pages of documents, along with 2,000+ videos and 180,000 images. The records, posted online Friday, include materials that were withheld during an earlier release in December.
The disclosures were made under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed after intense public pressure to reveal how Epstein avoided serious consequences for years despite mounting allegations.
Lawmakers Say Only Half the Story Is Out
Congressional Democrats who pushed for the law argue the release falls short. They say the Justice Department identified more than six million potentially relevant pages but has released barely half of them so far.
Critics claim this selective disclosure raises troubling questions about what remains hidden — and why.
Emails Link Epstein With Prominent Figures
Among the newly released material are email exchanges involving Steve Tisch, co-owner of the New York Giants. Messages from 2013 show Epstein and Tisch discussing women in crude terms, with Epstein offering to “connect” him with contacts.
Tisch later said his association with Epstein was brief, limited to emails about adult women, and that he never visited Epstein’s island. He described Epstein as “a terrible person” and said he deeply regrets the association.
Draft Indictment From 2007 Revealed
One of the most striking disclosures is a draft federal indictment prepared in 2007 that would have charged Epstein — along with several unnamed assistants — with conspiring to recruit underage girls for sexual acts.
Despite that draft, Epstein avoided federal prosecution after then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta approved a controversial plea deal. Epstein ultimately served just 18 months on a state charge.
Trump Appears Thousands of Times in Records
The documents include thousands of references to Donald Trump, ranging from shared news articles to political commentary and gossip.
One spreadsheet compiled in 2025 summarizes unverified tips sent to the FBI alleging wrongdoing by Trump. Officials noted many claims were uncorroborated and sometimes fantastical, though agents documented what follow-up, if any, occurred.
Epstein’s Strict House Rules for Staff
A 58-page staff manual released Friday sheds light on life inside Epstein’s Florida mansion. Employees were instructed to “see nothing, hear nothing, say nothing,” avoid casual language, and speak only when addressed.
The manual detailed everything from bedroom temperature settings to how much toothpaste must remain in bathroom tubes. These rules were previously referenced during Ghislaine Maxwell’s 2021 trial.
Staff Describe Alarming Scenes
Former employees told the FBI they cleaned up after Epstein’s massages, which involved young women or girls. Duties reportedly included disposing of used condoms, cleaning sex toys, and laundering towels.
Another staffer said he believed some girls were underage and recalled being asked to deliver flowers to a high school student and rent cars for young females Epstein associated with.
Howard Lutnick’s Island Visit Raises Questions
Documents suggest Howard Lutnick was invited to Epstein’s private island in 2012. Emails show his wife accepted the invitation, saying the family would arrive by yacht.
Though Lutnick has said he cut ties with Epstein years ago, records indicate their paths continued to cross as late as 2018 through philanthropy and neighborhood correspondence. Lutnick did not respond to requests for comment following Friday’s release.
Friendly Texts With Steve Bannon
The files also reveal months of friendly texts between Epstein and Steve Bannon in 2019. The two discussed politics, meals, travel plans, and even a possible documentary aimed at rehabilitating Epstein’s image.
In one exchange, Epstein suggested Trump feared their friendship — a message Bannon replied to with a single word: “Dangerous.”
Elon Musk Invited to Epstein’s Island
Emails show Epstein invited Elon Musk to visit Little Saint James in 2012 and again in 2013. Musk discussed travel plans with then-partner Talulah Riley but has repeatedly said he refused to visit the island.
There is no confirmation that any visit took place.
Prince Andrew Appears Hundreds of Times
Records include extensive references to Prince Andrew, detailing Epstein-organized dinners, news clippings, and attempts by U.S. prosecutors to interview him. That interview never occurred.
Prince Andrew later settled a civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein of directing her to have sex with him while she was underage — allegations Andrew has denied.
Survivors Condemn Release as a “Betrayal”
Survivors and their families criticized the disclosure, saying it exposes victims while continuing to shield abusers.
“This is being sold as transparency,” a statement linked to Giuffre said, “but it retraumatizes survivors while Epstein’s enablers remain protected.”
DOJ Defends Redactions, Promises More
Blanche said tens of thousands of files were redacted to protect victims, legal privileges, and ongoing investigations. He denied claims of shielding powerful individuals and said more disclosures are expected once courts provide guidance.
Still, lawmakers and survivors remain unconvinced, insisting the full truth has yet to come out.
