What the latest files released about Epstein’s relationships with prominent figures show

The political fallout is mounting after the Justice Department released 3 million additional files related to investigations into the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The department is under criticism for how it handled the release, with advocates raising questions about transparency and whether it did enough to hold Epstein’s associates accountable. Ali Rogin reports on the latest documents.

Jeff Bennett:

Welcome to the News Hour.

The political fallout is mounting today after the Justice Department released three million additional files related to investigations into the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Amna Nawaz:

The Justice Department has been criticized for how it handled the release, with advocates raising questions about transparency and whether the department did enough to hold Epstein’s associates accountable.

Our justice correspondent, Ali Rogin, has been digging through the latest documents, and she joins me now.

So, Ali, what else have we learned about the extent of Epstein’s connections to some very high-profile figures?

Ali Rogin:

Safe Taken together, these documents are really only suggestive — they paint a deeper picture of Epstein’s connections to some of the most influential people in politics, business, entertainment, and even the royal family.

There are new images in this collection of the now former Prince Andrew, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, shown on all fours kneeling over a female. Epstein also makes ludicrous allegations in an email against Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, which a Gates spokesperson called ridiculous and completely false.

There are emails between former President Bill Clinton’s staff in 2002. One of them sent an email asking for Prince Andrew’s then-address to invite him to dinner. Keep in mind that was in 2002. Epstein was never formally convicted of prostitution and registered as a sex offender in 2007, but the allegations point to much earlier.

Speaking of this timeline, what really stands out, aside from these more salacious details, is how open the lines of communication remained between Epstein and these powerful people for years after his initial arrest.

For example, Tesla founder Elon Musk was exchanging emails with Epstein in late 2014, including this one, in which he asked Epstein if he had any parties planned and said he wanted to let loose and that a quiet island experience was the opposite of what I was looking for.

Amna Nawaz:

I know you reported a lot on Friday about references to President Trump in some of these files. What do we know about that and what did we hear from the president?

Ali Rogin:

Yes. Of course, the mention of these files in these files does not necessarily mean that there are any violations. The Department of Justice noted that they are required by law to include documents that may be forged or misrepresented.

But last night at the Grammy Awards, host Trevor Noah made a joke about Trump spending time on Epstein’s island with Bill Clinton, which prompted this response from Trump on his social media – quote – “I can’t speak for Bill, but I’ve never been to Epstein’s island.”

He said Noah should prepare to file a lawsuit.

Amna Nawaz:

Well, we know that among those pushing for the release of these files were many survivors of Epstein’s abuse. What do we hear from them?

Ali Rogin:

Epstein’s survivors say two things.

First, a lot of things that should have been revealed to the public were over-redacted, and other information that should have remained secret was downplayed.

Earlier today, I spoke with survivor Liz Stein, now an educator and activist in the fight against human trafficking around the world. Shortly before we spoke, she said she found her name in the files.

Liz Stein, Jeffrey Epstein Survivor:

When we see things that we know probably shouldn’t be redacted, and yet we see survivor information being spread everywhere, we feel incredibly left out. I believe that the perpetrators are protected, but the victims and survivors of this crime are not.

Ali Rogin:

Of course, Epstein died by suicide before he could be held accountable for his crimes, but many victims were demanding justice for his co-conspirators.

Over the weekend, District Attorney Todd Blanche noted that there was nothing in these documents that he believed could lead to anything, allowing them to prosecute anyone. But Stein and many of her fellow survivors say it’s not over yet.

Liz Stein:

We’ve seen them say this is the end before. I think that despite the injustice we see as survivors in the release of these files, it makes it even clearer how important it is to get to the bottom of what happened here.

This was a crime. It was a sex trafficking crime. It’s not about politics. It’s not about the name or position of a famous person. It’s about men who victimize girls and young women.

Ali Rogin:

The Department of Justice said today that it has identified some documents that it said were inadvertently produced and contain information that identifies the victim. They said they had removed all documents requested by survivors and their lawyers by yesterday evening.

But, of course, again, Liz Stein said she found her name in the documents today.

Amna Nawaz:

Justice correspondent Ali Rogin.

Ali, thank you.

Ali Rogin:

Thank you.