US President Donald Trump on Friday urged the Justice Department (DOJ) to “embarrass” Democrats he claims worked with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as the department continues reviewing and releasing millions of documents tied to the disgraced financier.
The DOJ began publishing records last week connected to the Epstein investigation. Epstein, a wealthy financier, died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of trafficking underage girls for sex.
New disclosures released on Tuesday reportedly include multiple references to Trump, among them documents detailing flights he took aboard Epstein’s private jet. Trump, who previously had a social relationship with Epstein, later distanced himself after the allegations against Epstein became public. Despite growing pressure from within the Republican Party for full transparency around Epstein’s network of associates, Trump has largely avoided extensive public discussion of the case.
“Now, 1,000,000 more pages on Epstein are found. DOJ is being forced to spend all of its time on this Democrat inspired Hoax,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Friday.
“The Dems are the ones who worked with Epstein, not the Republicans. Release all of their names, embarrass them, and get back to helping our Country!” he added.
“The Radical Left doesn’t want people talking about TRUMP & REPUBLICAN SUCCESS, only a long ago dead Jeffrey Epstein – Just another Witch Hunt!!!”
Trump did not identify which Democrats he believes may be implicated in the documents.
The DOJ failed to meet a December 19 deadline to fully release the Epstein files, despite legislation mandating their disclosure. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche had earlier attributed the delay to the need for careful redaction to protect the identities of Epstein’s victims.
The Justice Department has previously pushed back against allegations involving Trump, stating that the files include “untrue and sensationalist claims” about him that were submitted to the FBI ahead of the 2020 election, which ultimately resulted in Trump securing a second term in office. The department has not detailed which specific claims it considers false.
“If they had a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already,” the DOJ said at the time.
What you should know
The renewed focus on the Epstein files comes amid intense political tension in the United States, with both parties facing scrutiny over past associations with the late financier.
While the DOJ has begun releasing documents, delays and redactions have fueled accusations of political bias and cover-ups. Trump’s statements reflect broader Republican frustration over what they describe as selective accountability, while Democrats and critics argue the disclosures raise unresolved questions about powerful figures across party lines.
The controversy underscores ongoing debates about transparency, justice, and the politicisation of high-profile investigations.
