Washington, United States – President Donald Trump responded Friday to recent revelations linking him to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump accused Democrats of orchestrating a “farce” regarding the Epstein case and announced plans to request a federal investigation that would include figures such as former President Bill Clinton.
Amid growing pressure following the release of new emails related to Epstein, Trump also called for the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate JPMorgan Chase and former Harvard president Larry Summers, who served as Treasury Secretary under Clinton.
Trump criticized Democrats for pushing what he called the “Epstein hoax” after emails surfaced in which Epstein suggested that Trump “knew about the girls” and spent hours with one of the victims at his home.
“I don’t know anything about that. They would have announced it a long time ago,” Trump told reporters Friday night aboard Air Force One while traveling to Florida for the weekend.
Addressing his relationship with Epstein, Trump said: “Jeffrey Epstein and I had a very bad relationship for many years.” He made this statement regarding their longstanding association, which has raised questions since his return to the White House.
Epstein was a financier and convicted sex offender who died by suicide in August 2019 while in jail. His death left behind numerous scandals tied to his network involving underage victims who were sexually abused by him and some guests, including prominent global figures.
Democrats, currently in opposition and holding a minority in Congress, are now calling for full disclosure of all files related to this internationally significant case. Survivors of Epstein sent a letter Friday urging U.S. lawmakers to release these documents. The letter stated: “There are no half measures here. There is no place to hide behind party affiliation.”
The FBI and Department of Justice previously stated that releasing additional material could compromise key witnesses during legal proceedings against Epstein.
On Truth Social, Trump emphasized that Epstein was “a Democrat,” writing: “It’s the Democrats’ problem, not the Republicans’ problem.” The president argued that Democratic pressure over recently published emails naming him is part of a political campaign similar to earlier accusations concerning alleged illegal ties with Russia during his 2016 campaign—a probe that ended without charges against him.
During his campaign, Trump had promised major disclosures about the Epstein scandal but now considers the matter closed following investigations conducted during his administration.
In response to Trump’s call for further investigations by federal authorities, Clinton spokesperson Angel Urena posted on X: “The emails show Bill Clinton did nothing wrong and knew nothing.” Urena added: “The rest is noise meant to distract from electoral defeats, failed shutdowns, and who knows what else.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi assured on X that the Department of Justice would act “diligently and honestly” on behalf of Americans. She noted she entrusted oversight of this case to Jay Clayton, former head of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), appointed prosecutor by Trump.
JPMorgan Chase—which previously agreed to pay $290 million in settlements with alleged victims—stated through a spokesperson: “We regret our associations with this man but did not help him commit his heinous acts.”
Republican leaders in Congress plan next week’s vote addressing these developments.
With assistance from Ghislaine Maxwell as recruiter, Epstein brought minors into residences primarily located in New York and Florida. Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for sexual exploitation offenses.
Some Americans across political lines believe Epstein was killed rather than dying by suicide so he could not implicate other high-profile individuals in abuse cases. The controversy reignited this week after publication of new emails from Epstein referencing Trump’s knowledge about underage girls; these messages were disclosed by Democratic members of Congress.
Trump has consistently denied knowing about or participating in sexual exploitation involving minors by either Epstein or Maxwell despite having associated with them before falling out personally.
