DOJ Releases Epstein Files; Trump Listed on Multiple Flights

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has released additional documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, revealing that former President Donald Trump traveled on Epstein's private jet at least eight times between 1993 and 1996. These flights included trips with his then-wife Marla Maples, his children Tiffany and Eric, and, on two occasions, with Epstein and a 20-year-old woman whose name was redacted.

The DOJ emphasized that some documents contain "untrue and sensationalist claims" against Trump, submitted to the FBI shortly before the 2020 election. The department stated, "To be clear: the claims are unfounded and false, and if they had a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already."

Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. He acknowledged a past friendship with Epstein but stated they fell out around 2004, years before Epstein's first arrest.

The release of these documents is part of the DOJ's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the public disclosure of unclassified materials related to Epstein and his associates. The DOJ has indicated that the full release of documents will occur in phases over the coming weeks to ensure proper redaction and protection of victims' identities.

Lawmakers and Epstein survivors have criticized the DOJ for delays and heavy redactions in the document release. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced a resolution urging the Senate to pursue legal action against the DOJ for failing to fully comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

The DOJ maintains that redactions are necessary to protect victims and ongoing investigations, promising additional document releases in the coming weeks.