Victims as well as politicians and the public hoped that the publication of the Epstein files would provide information. But many pages have been blacked out – and Trump is barely mentioned.
December 20, 2025, 09:31December 20, 2025, 09:31
Jakob Hartung / t-online
The US Department of Justice on Friday disclosed investigation files into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Photos, protocols, interrogation documents and other evidence from decades-long investigations were published.
However, the publications, which are the result of massive pressure from Congress, remain incomplete: many pages are completely or partially blacked out, and numerous central documents are completely missing.
Trump barely mentioned seeing Clinton frequently
What is also striking is the unequal presence of prominent names. President Donald Trump is rarely mentioned in the files released so far. His name occasionally appears in contact lists, message books or flight logs, but in many cases it is already known information. The documents do not contain any new, reliable details about Trump.
On the other hand, photos and mentions of former President Bill Clinton appear much more frequently. Several pictures show him, among other things, swimming or in the company of Epstein’s confidant Ghislaine Maxwell. There is no context for the recordings.
Clinton’s spokesman criticized the publication of the photos as a political diversionary tactic and emphasized that Clinton had cut off his contacts with Epstein before his crimes became known.
Verification process is ongoing
The Ministry of Justice points out that the review process is ongoing. More than 1,200 victims or their relatives have been identified and their protection is a priority. Further documents will follow as soon as they have been checked and, if necessary, edited.
It remains to be seen whether the expectations of Congress and the public will be met. It is already clear that the publication hardly provides any new information and is causing disappointment among those who had expected full clarification.