WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Department of Justice has released millions of long-awaited files linked to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, unveiling fresh details about his prison life, death, and extensive communications with some of the world’s most powerful figures.
The unprecedented disclosure — the largest since a transparency law mandated the public release of Epstein-related records — includes three million pages, 180,000 images and 2,000 videos, made public on Friday, weeks after the department missed a legally binding deadline.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the release followed an exhaustive review process aimed at ensuring transparency while protecting victims.
“Today’s release marks the end of a very comprehensive document identification and review process to ensure transparency to the American people and compliance,” Blanche said.
The files span more than a decade and shed new light on Epstein’s associations before and after his 2008 conviction in Florida for soliciting sex from a 14-year-old girl, as well as his death in a New York jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
Emails with British royalty emerge
Among the most striking revelations are emails suggesting close ties between Epstein and members of Britain’s elite.
The documents include messages between Epstein and an individual identified as “The Duke,” widely believed to be Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, discussing dinner at Buckingham Palace and the possibility of meeting a 26-year-old Russian woman.
The emails, dated August 2010, were exchanged two years after Epstein’s conviction.
The correspondence, signed “A” with a signature appearing to read “HRH Duke of York KG,” does not allege criminal wrongdoing.
Prince Andrew has repeatedly denied any misconduct and has faced years of scrutiny over his friendship with Epstein. The BBC said it has contacted him for comment.
Other emails appear to involve Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s former wife, who referred to Epstein as a “spectacular and special friend” in a 2009 message sent while he was under house arrest.
Mandelson, money transfers and prison visits
The files also reveal that Epstein sent £10,000 ($13,692) in 2009 to Reinaldo Avila da Silva, the husband of UK politician Lord Peter Mandelson, to help fund an osteopathy course.
Bank details and payment arrangements were outlined in emails exchanged while Epstein was serving a sentence that allowed daytime work release.
Separate messages show Mandelson requesting to stay at one of Epstein’s properties during the same period.
Mandelson, who was appointed UK ambassador to the US in December 2024 but later dismissed, has said he regrets his past friendship with Epstein and insists he never witnessed wrongdoing.
Trump named repeatedly, allegations dismissed
US President Donald Trump is mentioned hundreds of times in the newly released documents.
While Trump and Epstein were once acquaintances, the president has said the relationship ended years before Epstein’s legal troubles escalated.
The files include an FBI list of unverified allegations made via its tip line, some involving Trump. The Justice Department stressed that these claims were unfounded.
“Some of the documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump,” the department said, adding that none of the allegations were supported by evidence or led to criminal charges.
Musk, Gates also appear in emails
Emails between Epstein and tech billionaire Elon Musk show discussions about potential visits to Epstein’s private island and party plans between 2012 and 2013.
There is no evidence Musk ever travelled there, and he has previously said he declined Epstein’s invitations. Musk has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Bill Gates dismissed allegations contained in draft emails written by Epstein — including claims of sexual misconduct and illness — as “absolutely absurd and completely false.”
Gates’ spokesperson said the documents only highlight Epstein’s attempts to defame former associates after relationships broke down.
Is this the final release?
Despite the scale of the disclosure, questions remain over whether all Epstein-related material has now been made public.
Lawmakers who backed the Epstein Files Transparency Act say the Justice Department may still be withholding millions of pages.
Democratic Congressman Roh Khanna warned that only about half of the potentially relevant documents identified by the department have been released, many heavily redacted.
The law allows redactions only to protect victims or ongoing investigations and requires the DOJ to justify them.
Blanche acknowledged the release would not satisfy all critics, particularly those who believe powerful individuals were shielded.
“These files do not contain the names of specific men who abused women,” he said. “If the department had those names, they would be prosecuted.”
As public scrutiny intensifies, the Epstein files continue to fuel debate over accountability, transparency, and whether the full truth has finally emerged.
