More than 12 Trump officials are named in the Epstein files
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- At least 12 current or former Trump officials appear in the latest Epstein documents.
- Files reveal visits, communications, and misstatements about connections to Epstein.
Newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents show at least 12 current and former Trump administration figures had contact with the disgraced financier, highlighting social and professional ties that span over a decade.
Among those named are President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and sitting officials including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
New Details on Contacts
Howard Lutnick visited Epstein’s private island in 2012 and previously minimized his relationship with Epstein. Steve Bannon, former senior adviser to Trump, sent frequent emails and texts to Epstein until 2019. Kevin Warsh, Trump’s Federal Reserve nominee, attended an Epstein event in St. Bart’s in 2010, years after Epstein’s first criminal conviction.
Read more: Trump named over 1 million times in Epstein files, US lawmaker says
Broader Network
Other figures listed include:
- John Phelan, former Secretary of the Navy
- Paolo Zampolli, Kennedy Center affiliate
- RFK Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services
- Mehmet Oz, administrator of CMS
- Elon Musk, former government appointee
- Alex Acosta, former labor secretary
- Bill Barr, former attorney general
- Brett Ratner, film director
Acosta’s inclusion aligns with prior reports on his role in Epstein’s controversial 2008 plea deal in Florida.
Response and Next Steps
Spokespeople for Lutnick and Warsh confirmed social interactions but denied any inappropriate conduct. Legal experts say the files could trigger congressional inquiries, especially regarding sitting officials.
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“The public deserves transparency,” said one former federal prosecutor. “These connections raise serious questions that need to be addressed.”
Political Fallout
With elections approaching, strategists predict the revelations could dominate campaign messaging. Supporters argue social contact does not imply complicity, but the files renew scrutiny on how powerful figures engaged with Epstein, who died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 awaiting federal sex trafficking trial.
What Happens Next
Congressional committees are expected to seek unredacted documents and testimony from the officials named, as advocates for victims push for accountability. The implications of these disclosures could extend far beyond initial revelations.
