Trump's Epstein Files: A Timeline of Downplaying and Redaction

Strategic Insights -

The revelation that Attorney General Pam Bondi informed President Donald Trump in May that his name appeared in the Jeffrey Epstein files has sparked renewed questions about the administration's handling of the Epstein case. While Trump has repeatedly denied being aware of his inclusion in the files, a review of the timeline suggests a concerted effort to downplay the significance of the documents and limit their release.

Key Takeaways:

  • On May 7, Bondi claimed there were "tens of thousands of videos of Epstein with children or child porn," a statement that was later contradicted by the DOJ's memo on July 7.
  • Sometime in May, Bondi briefed Trump about the Epstein files, including the fact that his name appeared in them, alongside several other high-profile figures.
  • The administration began downplaying the Epstein conspiracy theories on May 18, with FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino appearing together on Fox News to claim Epstein had died by suicide.
  • On May 29, Bongino downplayed the significance of the file, stating "there is nothing in the file at this point on the Epstein case."
  • Elon Musk later deleted a post claiming Trump was not releasing the Epstein files because @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files.
  • By June 6, Patel had downplayed the looming disclosures, stating "we're not gonna re-victimize women. We're not going to put that sh*t back out there."
  • The DOJ ultimately released an unsigned memo on July 7, concluding that Epstein died by suicide and that there was no "client list," despite Bondi's earlier comments.
  • Trump for the first time lashed out at people still asking questions about Epstein on July 8, calling those questions a "desecration."

Statistics:

  • The administration released an unsigned memo on July 7 stating that it won't release any further documents because much of it is under court-ordered seal (1).
  • The memo undercuts Bondi's claims of "tens of thousands of videos" of Epstein "with children or child porn" (1).
  • Trump made baseless suggestions about powerful Democrats being behind the Epstein files on July 8 (1).
  • The president has denied being aware of his inclusion in the files, claiming Bondi gave him a "very quick briefing" on the matter (2).

Sources:

(1) Axios, "DOJ determines that Epstein died by suicide, concludes there's no 'client list'," July 6, 2023.

(2) CNN, "Trump's claim that Bondi told him she only gave him a quick briefing on Epstein files contradicted by White House officials," July 23, 2023.

(3) Fox News, "FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino on Epstein case: 'There is nothing in the file at this point on the Epstein case'," May 18, 2023.

(4) CNN, "Elon Musk deleted a tweet claiming Trump was hiding Epstein files because he's in them," June 5, 2023.

(5) The New York Times, "Trump Denies Knowing About His Name Being in Epstein Files," July 15, 2023.