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Justice Department Informed Trump of Epstein File References
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi notified President Trump in May that his name appears multiple times in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's case, according to The Wall Street Journal and other media sources.
Background of Epstein-Trump Connection
Epstein, the financier jailed before his death on underage sex trafficking charges, maintained a friendship with Trump during the 1990s and early 2000s. Trump claims their association ended before Epstein's legal troubles began.
White House Response Evolution
The administration initially dismissed reports as "fake news" before a White House official acknowledged to Reuters they "did not deny" Trump's name appears in some files. Officials noted these references were included in documents Bondi compiled in February for conservative influencers.
Closed-Door Meeting Details
During a May meeting covering multiple agenda items, Bondi informed Trump that senior Justice Department officials opposed further Epstein document releases, citing child pornography and victim privacy concerns. Trump reportedly agreed to follow their judgment.
Political Reversal Sparks Backlash
This meeting marked a policy reversal, as Bondi had previously advocated for document disclosure. The Justice Department's July 7 announcement closing the Epstein case angered Trump supporters.
Public Opinion and Base Reactions
A CBS/YouGov poll shows 89% of Americans support full document release. While Trump's MAGA base expresses frustration, overall support remains strong. The president has responded by filing a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal.
Congressional Developments
Representative Ro Khanna's resolution demanding document disclosure gained 212 Democratic and 10 Republican endorsements. However, the Republican House Speaker adjourned Congress early, preventing a committee vote.
Justice Department Engages Ghislaine Maxwell
Prosecutors are now interviewing Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, sentenced to 20 years in 2021 for sex trafficking. The House of Representatives also seeks her testimony regarding potential crimes by Epstein's associates.
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