The U.S. Justice Department has started releasing long-awaited records from its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The documents are expected to shed light on Epstein’s connections with high-profile figures, including business executives, celebrities, academics, and politicians such as President Donald Trump.
The released files include photographs not previously public and partially redacted documents listing 254 masseuses.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that several hundred thousand documents were released on Friday, with more to follow in the coming weeks. The files have been redacted to protect the identities of Epstein’s victims.
Trump, once a close associate of Epstein in the 1990s, had resisted the release but ultimately signed a law compelling publication after pressure from Congress.
Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the release as a “cover-up” to shield Trump.
Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former partner, remains the only person convicted in connection with Epstein’s crimes and is serving a 20-year sentence for recruiting underage girls.
The release of the documents marks a significant opportunity to clarify how Epstein operated and who may have aided him.