(NewsNation) — The Department of Justice released files regarding Jeffrey Epstein to a small group of conservative influencers Thursday.
It’s not clear if the files will be released to the press more broadly or if they will be available for the public to access.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order early in his second term ordering the release of the files along with classified documents related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
Conservative influencers given Epstein files
The group of influencers was seen leaving the White House with binders labeled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi teased the release of the files earlier in the day, saying there were things included in them that would make people sick.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., who is heading a task force on government transparency, said her group was not given the documents and criticized the administration for the limited release.
“A NY Post story just revealed that the documents will simply be Epstein’s phonebook. THIS IS NOT WHAT WE OR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ASKED FOR. GET US THE INFORMATION WE ASKED FOR instead of leaking old info to press,” she said on X.
What was Jeffrey Epstein charged with?
Epstein was charged with sex trafficking but died by suicide while in prison. His girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, is serving a 20-year prison sentence for helping Epstein traffic minors.
What is in the Jeffrey Epstein files?
The new files are said to contain names of Epstein’s associates and flight logs for his private plane. It’s important to note that someone’s name appearing in Epstein’s files is not an indicator that they participated in sex trafficking, and the files included people who only had brief contact with the high-profile financier.
Previously released files included the names of many political and Hollywood figures, including Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, Stephen Hawking, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Jackson, Cate Blanchett, David Copperfield and George Lucas.
