Washington — Newly released documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation have reignited controversy, with President Donald Trump among those referenced in the files. The House Oversight Committee last week published more than 20,000 pages of emails, flight logs, contact books, and redacted “masseuse lists,” shedding fresh light on Epstein’s network.
The files suggest Epstein claimed Trump “knew about the girls.” Trump has denied the allegation, dismissing it as politically motivated. He insisted he had no involvement in Epstein’s crimes and said he would support full release of the remaining sealed files to “end speculation.”
Other figures mentioned include Prince Andrew, who has long faced questions over his ties to Epstein. He previously settled a civil case brought by Virginia Giuffre in 2022 but continues to deny wrongdoing. His spokesperson reiterated that the settlement was made “without admission of liability” and that Andrew was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities.
Political names also surface. Steve Bannon, Trump’s former advisor, appears in contact records. Associates close to Bannon emphasized that his inclusion does not imply misconduct, noting no direct allegations have been made against him.
Larry Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Harvard president, is listed among Epstein’s high‑level connections. Summers has acknowledged knowing Epstein but denied any improper behavior. He has not yet commented on the latest release.
Kathryn Ruemmler, White House counsel under President Obama, is mentioned in emails where Epstein joked about her being a “girl.” Ruemmler has not publicly responded to the new files, though past reports noted she attended social gatherings where Epstein was present. She has denied any connection to his crimes.
Business leaders are not absent. Peter Thiel, the billionaire co‑founder of PayPal, and Gordon Brown, former UK Prime Minister, appear in a 2014 email chain. Thiel has not commented on the reference, which analysts note was partly in jest. Brown’s office has previously said he had no personal relationship with Epstein and has not issued a new statement.
Media figures also appear. Journalist Michael Wolff exchanged emails with Epstein in 2019, in which Epstein referenced Trump and alleged incidents at Mar‑a‑Lago. Wolff has not responded to the release, though he has previously reported on Trump and Epstein in his books and denied any personal involvement.
Additional names include Mark Epstein, Jeffrey’s brother, who appears in emails speculating about Trump and “Bubba.” Social media users suggested “Bubba” referred to Bill Clinton, though Clinton has consistently denied wrongdoing and said he had only limited contact with Epstein.
Survivor Virginia Giuffre also features prominently, her testimony and book having detailed encounters with Epstein and his associates. Her civil case against Prince Andrew was settled in 2022, and she has continued to call for full transparency in the release of Epstein’s records.
The breadth of names underscores Epstein’s reach across politics, business, and media. Advocates for transparency argue that only full disclosure of all remaining sealed files will restore public trust. “Partial releases only fuel speculation,” one activist said. Legal experts caution that inclusion in Epstein’s contact book or emails does not equate to criminal activity. “These documents show the breadth of Epstein’s social reach, but not everyone listed was complicit,” one analyst explained.
Congress is now debating whether to unseal the rest of Epstein’s records. Lawmakers voted on November 18 to advance a bill requiring full disclosure, with Trump himself saying he would sign it if passed. For now, the newly unsealed records place Trump, Prince Andrew, Clinton, and a roster of global elites back at the center of one of the most explosive scandals in recent American history.
