The White House has denied reports that Donald Trump was told his name appears in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. According to The Wall Street Journal, Attorney General Pam Bondi told Trump in May that he was named in the files. The report says this does not mean Trump did anything wrong.
Trump’s Team Calls Media Reports “Fake News”
A White House spokesperson called the report “fake news.”
Trump was once friendly with Epstein, but says they had a falling out in 2004.
During his campaign, Trump promised to release files on Epstein. But many supporters are now frustrated. They say the administration hasn’t shared enough information, especially a rumored “client list.” The Justice Department recently said no such list exists.
Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. He had already been convicted in 2008 for soliciting sex from a minor.
On Wednesday, a judge in Florida blocked the release of court documents tied to Epstein’s earlier case. The same day, a U.S. House subcommittee voted to subpoena the Justice Department for those files. The committee’s chairman still needs to approve the move.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that Bondi told Trump the files include sensitive material like child abuse evidence and victim details. Trump later denied knowing about any mention of his name.
A Trump spokesman said the story is “a smear campaign by the media and Democrats.” He compared it to past investigations Trump has called baseless.
White House Confirms Trump’s Name May Appear
However, a White House official told Reuters they are not denying Trump’s name is in the documents. The official noted that earlier files made public already mentioned him and even included phone numbers of his family members.
Trump reportedly told Bondi to request full release of Epstein-related grand jury files. But a Florida judge said those records must stay sealed under state law.
The Epstein case has regained attention as Ghislaine Maxwell, his convicted accomplice, serves a 20-year sentence. Her lawyer confirmed she may speak with Justice Department officials about the case. She has also been subpoenaed to testify before Congress in August.
House Speaker Mike Johnson warned that Maxwell cannot be trusted. He said her crimes were “unspeakable.”
Bondi previously hinted she had major revelations about Epstein. But this month, she said there was no incriminating client list and confirmed Epstein died by suicide.
Some Trump supporters are angry at her shift in tone. Critics accuse the administration of hiding the truth.
Congressional Republicans are divided. On Wednesday, three of them joined Democrats to vote for a subpoena to release Epstein files. But without Chairman James Comer’s signature, it won’t move forward.