Trump’s Name Appears in Epstein Files, But White House Denies Wrongdoing

Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s name has appeared in documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to reports. The White House, meanwhile, has vehemently denied any misconduct and referred to the allegations as "fake news" that was spread by Democrats and the media. The documents are part of U.S. Justice Department records and reportedly include hundreds of names of individuals who had social or professional connections with Epstein. Officials have clarified that simply being named in the files is not evidence of criminal activity. Regarding the issue, Trump has not been charged with any crimes.

Previous files released by the Justice Department already included Trump’s name and even phone numbers belonging to his family members. These files had been distributed to conservative influencers earlier this year. Trump, who had once been friendly with Epstein before distancing himself in 2004, had promised during his election campaign to release all Epstein-related files. As pressure grows, the administration continues to resist the public release of full documents, citing legal and privacy concerns.

Recently, a U.S. judge rejected a request by the Justice Department to unseal records from Epstein’s 2006 Florida case, stating that doing so would violate grand jury secrecy laws. Judge Robin Rosenberg said her court is bound by state guidelines and declined to transfer the case to New York, where separate judges are handling similar requests involving Epstein’s 2019 federal sex-trafficking charges.

Attorney General Pam Bondi had earlier informed Trump that many of the documents contain unverified claims and sensitive materials such as child abuse evidence and victim information, which should not be publicly disclosed. Bondi had previously suggested that major revelations were coming, including names and flight logs, but has since stated that there is no incriminating client list and no reason for further prosecution. This reversal has frustrated some of Trump’s supporters, who are now calling for her resignation.

FBI Director Kash Patel also rejected the reports. He said they are part of a deliberate effort to harm Trump’s reputation using leaks and false information.Meanwhile, attention has shifted to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in the abuse. Maxwell’s attorney confirmed she is scheduled to meet with a senior Justice Department official and is also under subpoena to testify before Congress on August 11. Whether she will speak or invoke her right to remain silent is still undecided.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has warned against trusting Maxwell’s potential testimony, citing her criminal conviction. Political tensions over the issue have deepened. On Tuesday, Speaker Johnson ended the congressional session early for summer break, delaying efforts to vote on forcing the release of Epstein-related files. However, a House Oversight Subcommittee went ahead with a vote to subpoena the documents. Three Republicans joined five Democrats in supporting the subpoena, but it still requires final approval from Committee Chairman James Comer.

While Trump’s name may be present in the files, there is currently no evidence linking him to criminal behavior. The Justice Department and FBI maintain that nothing in the documents warrants further investigation. However, demands for transparency continue, and legal and political battles over the Epstein case are still going on.