What hides in the Epstein files and why they continue to generate controversy
The name of Jeffrey Epstein still reverberates. Even though the financier passed away in 2019, the legal and media aftermath of his sexual crimes continues to generate turbulence. Now, the so-called “Epstein files” are creating increasing pressure on the Trump administration, especially from voices demanding their full and unrestricted publication.
Recent events have intensified this pressure: The Wall Street Journal recently revealed that the name of former President Donald Trump appears in the Epstein files. Although this does not imply any formal accusation, it has ignited calls for greater transparency from both within and outside the Republican Party.
### What exactly are the Epstein files?
These files consist of documents compiled over more than a decade from various criminal and civil investigations. They include victim testimonies, witness statements, materials seized from Epstein’s properties, and documentation related to his network of child sex trafficking.
It all began in 2008 when Epstein was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor, thanks to a controversial plea deal with prosecutors that allowed him to avoid a harsher sentence. In 2019, facing new accusations, he was arrested for running a network of child sex trafficking. His death in prison, officially ruled a suicide, still raises doubts and conspiracy theories.
### What has already been made public… and what has not
Over the years, different documents have been released. In January 2024, for example, over 1,400 pages of testimonies, flight logs, and contact lists were published. In February 2025, during Trump’s new term, a “first phase” of declassified files was presented, although much of the content was already known.
However, authorities announced in July that they would not release further material. Many view this as an attempt to cover up, especially because there are rumors of yet unreleased documents naming prominent public figures.
### Who appears in the files?
Among the names mentioned in declassified documents are celebrities, politicians, and members of royalty. The UK’s Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, and singer Michael Jackson have been linked to Epstein or mentioned in statements and flight logs.
Trump himself has acknowledged having a social relationship with Epstein, but claims they distanced themselves in the early 2000s and he was never a “big fan” of Epstein. Public records include his name in agendas and flight lists, but there is no evidence of his involvement in criminal activities.
### Is there a “clients” list?
One of the main points of speculation revolves around the supposed existence of a client list. Although the Department of Justice and the FBI have denied the existence of such a list, ambiguous statements from officials have fueled confusion.
In particular, Attorney General Pam Bondi mentioned having a list “on her desk” in an interview, but her team later clarified that she was referring to general case documents. The uncertainty about the existence of an organized network of clients has made this a heavily discussed topic on social media.
### Why so much interest?
The Epstein case has all the elements to fuel both public outrage and conspiracy theories: money, power, abuse, impunity, and suspicious deaths.
Many citizens – both supporters of Trump and those outside of politics – share the perception that the case has not been fully clarified. The lenient 2008 sentence, the strange security at the prison where Epstein died, and the possibility of many powerful individuals being implicated, keep suspicion alive.
Even within Trump’s circle, there are those who continue to demand full disclosure of everything related to these files. However, now in power, his administration has chosen to close the issue, causing tensions with their own electoral base.
