Latest news with #clientList
Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Times
Elon Musk mocks Trump over Epstein files — ‘Where is the client list?'
Elon Musk has renewed his war with President Trump by mocking his refusal to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. The tech billionaire alleged during the pair's explosive falling-out in May that Trump was named on the so-called Epstein client list. He later deleted the allegation, but on Wednesday night he criticised the president for suggesting the furore over the files was a 'hoax' perpetrated by his political rivals. 'Wow, amazing that Epstein 'killed himself' and Ghislaine [Maxwell, Epstein's longtime girlfriend convicted of sex trafficking] is in federal prison for a hoax,' he wrote. In more than a dozen posts in an hour to his 222 million X followers, he noted that 'not even one' of Epstein's alleged clients had been prosecuted and said 'so many powerful people want that list suppressed'. Musk resumed in the early hours of Thursday morning by responding to a number of posts questioning the decision to keep part of the evidence secret. 'Yeah, where is it?' he asked of the client list. In response to a photo of one of the binders the White House released to conservative influencers earlier this year, entitled 'The Epstein Files: Phase 1', Musk wrote: 'Where is Phase 2?' He also appeared, in a public exchange with his Grok chatbot, to endorse allegations that Trump flew on Epstein's private plane, nicknamed the Lolita Express. He asked it for details about Epstein's plane logs and to summarise 'who went to Epstein's island and when?' This was a reference to the financier's private resort in the US Virgin Islands, an alleged base for sex trafficking underage girls. • Musk reveals fantasy companion based on Fifty Shades of Grey 'Why was the plane called the Lolita Express? How old was Lolita in Nabokov's book?' he added. 'Research throughly [sic] to find the complete lists of who else was on the plane during Trump's 7 flights?' Epstein was a guest at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's estate in Florida, in the 1990s before the pair fell out in the mid-2000s. Trump once described him as a 'terrific guy'. Epstein died by suicide in his prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. In recent days, Trump has struggled to contain the fallout over his administration's decision not to publish all files about his case. Pam Bondi, the attorney-general, released a memo last week that rebuked the two core allegations among Maga loyalists — that Epstein was murdered and that he kept a 'client list' to blackmail celebrities. However, she refused to publish all the documents from the case. It was later claimed that a video released by the justice department, purporting to show no one entering or leaving Epstein's cell at the time of his death, had been doctored. Trump has stood by Bondi and described the controversy as the Democrats' 'new SCAM', but has also encouraged her to release all 'credible' evidence. In a further development sure to alarm conspiracy theorists, the prosecutor who worked on the criminal cases against Epstein and Maxwell was fired from her job in the Manhattan US attorney's office on Wednesday. Maurene Comey, 36, is the daughter of James Comey, the former director of the FBI and one of the people Trump has blamed for spreading the 'hoax' along with Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Democrats are looking to exploit the divisions in the Maga movement over Trump's refusal to release the files by forcing a vote in Congress. Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the House, himself called this week for 'transparency' and the release of 'everything' in the files. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, has teamed up with Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, to introduce a bill calling for the files' release that has attracted several Republican co-sponsors, including the Maga firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. 'People voted for Trump in part because they were so disgusted in the system — they thought that Washington protected the elite, protects the powerful, protects the wealthy. Epstein is a symbol of that,' Khanna told Politico.
Fox News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Sunny Hostin appears to change tune on releasing Epstein files after Trump DOJ declares there's no list
"The View" co-host Sunny Hostin has appeared to change her tone on releasing files related to deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein amid outrage over the Trump administration's declaration that there is no client list. Hostin and her fellow co-hosts discussed the furor from the right on Monday, calling for the release of the supposed list and more information in general about Epstein's case. That put Hostin on the side of some of the most right-wing elements of President Donald Trump's base, who are angry that he's sided with Attorney General Pam Bondi and derided his own supporters for being too invested in the dead man's case. Referring to Trump downplaying the controversy, she said, "So now he's calling his supporters selfish, he's trying to make this go away, yet in 2002, he told New York Magazine, 'I have known Jeff for 15 years. He is a terrific guy. He's a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do and many of them are on the younger side.'" "So he said that and then also what Pam Bondi didn't release because it's already been released. Trump's name is on the passenger logs of Epstein's aircraft at least seven times. That's already been made public. I mean, of course, Trump is denying any and all allegations, but all of that information is out there. Why not just put it to rest and say, release the list?" Trump's supporters have called out the administration after the Department of Justice determined that Epstein committed suicide in 2019 and that there is no list detailing who allegedly took part in Epstein's history of sexual deviancy. Bondi, as well as FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, had all called for Epstein's sex-trafficking secrets to be made public long before the DOJ's stunning about-face. Hostin called for more information to be released, demanding Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell testify on whether the list exists or not. Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking and helping procure Epstein's young victims. Hostin's attitude appeared to mark a significant shift in her thinking from just one year ago. While discussing the unsealing of a set of Epstein files in January 2024, Hostin advised against repeating any names released in the files. "I was very concerned about some of the coverage that I've seen. People were dying for this information," Hostin said on "The View" at the time, in a clip first flagged on X by the account Maze. "There was some sort of list that everybody thought would come out, and who's on the list? Only some of the documents have been released, about 900 of them. They've been unsealed. The documents have identified numerous Epstein associates and figures mentioned in proceedings of the 2015 defamation lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre against Ghislaine Maxwell," she continued. "What's important for us to note is we shouldn't be repeating names that are on the list, because just because your name has – not on the list but in the documents – just because your name is on the documents doesn't mean that you have done anything criminally irresponsible or illegal or civilly irresponsible," Hostin cautioned. She went on to say that it was "extremely important" to note because "conspiracy theorists seem to not understand or enjoy facts." House Democrats have now called for a public hearing on the issue amid Republican back-and-forth over the DOJ's announcement. "I do think that this is not going away because of the severity of what could be in these files and because of the severity of the crimes," Hostin said Tuesday. "Democrats are embracing the politics of the situation for a change. They're actually taking it head-on."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Timeline: Jeffrey Epstein memo causes controversy among MAGA base
The Department of Justice and FBI's memo on the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein has reignited criticism from some of President Donald Trump's supporters over information released in the case involving one of the most infamous sex trafficking criminals in modern history. The notorious financier, who died by suicide in 2019 while facing federal child sex trafficking charges, has long been rumored to have kept a "client list" of celebrities and politicians, which right-wing influencers have accused authorities of hiding. A review ordered by Trump-appointed leadership of the Justice Department and the FBI found no evidence that Epstein kept a "client list" of associates whom he blackmailed or conspired with to victimize dozens of women, according to the memo released on July 7. The department also released hours of footage as part of its review, which officials say further confirms Epstein died by suicide -- contradicting conspiracy theories long embraced or spread by allies of Trump and others. The memo further stated the FBI and DOJ planned to make no future public disclosures related to their review of Epstein's case, stoking outrage among Trump's most vocal supporters. Most of the criticism in the wake of the memo's release has been directed at mixed messaging from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who had previously suggested an alleged Epstein "client list" was sitting on her desk. Past statements made by FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino that stoked conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein's death have also resurfaced amid the fallout. Bongino has suggested to allies he may resign following days of growing outrage, according to multiple sources. Here's a timeline of the fallout. MORE: DOJ, FBI review finds no Jeffrey Epstein 'client list,' confirms suicide: Memo 2023: Bongino and Patel on Epstein case Before joining the DOJ, both Patel and Bongino had suggested that the federal government was shielding information regarding the Epstein case. In an episode of his podcast from 2023, Bongino told listeners, "That Jeffrey Epstein story is a big deal. ... Please do not let the story go," blaming people in the "Washington swamp who are not telling you the truth." In December 2023, Patel claimed to conservative pundit Benny Johnson that Congress blocked the release of Epstein's alleged clients "because of who's on that list." Feb. 21, 2025: Bondi suggests there's an Epstein 'client list' During an interview with Fox News, when asked whether the DOJ would release "the list of Jeffrey Epstein's clients," Attorney General Bondi responded, "It's sitting on my desk right now to review. That's been a directive by President Trump. I'm reviewing that." Feb. 26, 2025: Bondi promises to release 'a lot of names' Bondi told Fox News that the Justice Department planned to publish "a lot of flight logs" and "a lot of names" related to Epstein. Feb. 27, 2025: DOJ releases '1st phase' of Epstein files Bondi handed out binders with Epstein case files to a group of pro-Trump social media influencers at the White House ahead of their public release. The files ultimately contained little new information. They largely consisted of information previously made public through criminal or civil litigation surrounding Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell -- leading senior White House staffers to question why Bondi even teased the release of new information in the first place. The release also outraged some supporters of the president, who had been promised that more details would be made public. Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and one of Trump's most vocal supporters, blasted the handling of the release, writing on X at the time: "The Epstein files were released in an unprofessional manner with paid, partisan social media influencers to curate their binders for us. I can't trust anything in the binder. Neither should you." Bondi subsequently accused the FBI's New York office of withholding information about the Epstein investigation, but did not specify what material she believed the office to be withholding. May 7, 2025: Bondi claims there are 'tens of thousands' of Epstein videos During remarks at the White House, Bondi claimed the delay in publicly releasing scores of records associated with federal probes into Epstein was due to the review of "tens of thousands" of videos within the FBI's possession showing potential pornography of minors. July 7, 2025: Epstein memo released The DOJ and FBI released a memo, in which both agencies said their review determined there was "no incriminating 'client list'" and "no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions." According to the FBI and DOJ review, no further charges are expected in connection with their probes into Epstein, as investigators "did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties." The department also released hours of footage as part of its review, which officials say further confirms Epstein died by suicide while in custody in his jail cell in Manhattan in 2019. In explaining their determination not to release further records from the investigation, the DOJ memo states that one of the government's "highest priorities is combatting child exploitation and bringing justice to victims," before adding, "Perpetuating unfounded theories about Epstein serves neither of those ends." July 7, 2025: Pushback from far-right Trump supporters Following the memo's release, Loomer called on Bondi to resign "for lying to the American People." Pro-Trump influencers the Hodgetwins also called on Trump to fire Bondi -- as did American conservative political commentator Liz Wheeler. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon questioned if the administration is as transparent as it claims it would be during his popular "War Room" show. Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones accused the Trump administration of being part of a cover-up. MORE: Trump supporters angry over Justice Department's Epstein memo July 8, 2025: Bondi clarifies past comments During a Cabinet meeting, Bondi clarified past comments she made regarding the Epstein case in the wake of the memo's release, including regarding the "client list." "In February, I did an interview on Fox, and it's been getting a lot of attention because I said I was asked a question about the client list, and my response was, it's sitting on my desk to be reviewed, meaning the file along with the JFK, MLK files as well. That's what I meant by that," Bondi said. Regarding the "tens of thousands" of videos, Bondi said they "turned out to be child porn downloaded by that disgusting Jeffrey Epstein." During the same Cabinet meeting, Trump had interrupted prior to Bondi's response, saying, "Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy's been talked about for years. You're asking-- we have Texas, we have this, we have all of the things. And are people still talking about this guy, this creep? That is unbelievable." July 11, 2025: Speculation on Bongino's future In the days following the memo's release, Bongino has expressed growing disagreement with how the announcement was handled, suggesting to allies he may resign following days of growing outrage publicly voiced by Trump's most ardent supporters, according to sources. Earlier in the week, Bongino had a fiery confrontation with Bondi over how she handled the review of the Epstein files and the memo, the sources said. Bongino did not respond to repeated requests for comment from ABC News. In a post on X, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said he personally worked with Bongino and Patel to craft the memo. "All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo," Blanche said. "The suggestion by anyone that there was any daylight between the FBI and DOJ leadership on this memo's composition and release is patently false." MORE: Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino's future uncertain amid fallout over Epstein files decision: Sources July 12, 2025: Trump defends Bondi Trump defended Bondi in a social media post amid the pushback from some in his MAGA base over the handling of the Epstein probe. Trump praised Bondi for doing a "fantastic job" and urged his "boys" and "gals" to stop criticizing her. "We have a PERFECT Administration, THE TALK OF THE WORLD, and 'selfish people' are trying to hurt it, all over a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein," Trump said, encouraging unity within the Republican Party. July 12, 2025: Patel shuts down rumors about leaving the FBI Patel shut down rumors that he is potentially thinking about leaving the FBI. "t's an honor to serve the President of the United States @realDonaldTrump -- and I'll continue to do so for as long as he calls on me," he tweeted. The tweet followed a report in a conservative outlet that suggested he was considering leaving if Bongino left. July 13, 2025: Trump says Bongino 'in good shape' Asked by reporters if Bongino was still his FBI deputy director, Trump said, "I think so," and said Bongino was in "good shape." "I spoke to him today, Dan Bongino, very good guy. I've known him a long time," Trump said. July 14, 2025: Lara Trump says she thinks there will be 'more transparency' Lara Trump, President Trump's daughter-in-law and a Fox News host, told Johnson on the MAGA influencer's show that she believed there did need to be "more transparency" regarding the administration's handling of the Epstein case and said she believed "that that will happen," predicting more information would be released "sooner rather than later." July 14, 2025: Democratic leader weighs in House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., addressed Trump's handling of the Epstein controversy, saying, "There are only two things that are possible here." "Option one, Donald Trump, Pam Bondi and the MAGA extremists intentionally lied to the American people for years about the Jeffrey Epstein situation," he said at a news conference in the Capitol. "Option two is that, in fact, there's reason for the American people to be concerned as it relates to what information has not been released that could be damaging to the Trump administration and the friends and family of the Trump administration and their billionaire, corrupt supporters. And so, they're actively engaging in a cover-up," he continued. Jeffries said if the Trump administration is "hiding something," Congress should "actually work hard to try to uncover the truth for the American people." July 14, 2025: Texas Dem calls for release of all unclassified files Texas Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey introduced a resolution calling on the Trump administration to "immediately release" all unclassified Epstein files and evidence -- becoming the first House Democrat to push for legislative action amid a growing call from MAGA Republicans for the release. The resolution also calls on the DOJ and the FBI to submit a full report related to Epstein's operations and urges relevant House committees to investigate any delay of the files' release. ABC News' Lauren Peller contributed to this report.
The Independent
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Former Trump lawyer claims he knows Epstein client list names: ‘But I'm bound by confidentiality'
Attorney Alan Dershowitz said Thursday that he knows the names of those on Jeffrey Epstein's supposed client list regarding claims of an international sex trafficking ring. 'I know the names of the individuals. I know why they're being suppressed. I know who's suppressing them,' he said on The Sean Spicer Show. 'But I'm bound by confidentiality from a judge and cases, and I can't disclose what I know,' he added, claiming that he was once falsely identified. Epstein, a wealthy and well-connected financier, has long been the subject of conspiracy theories that he kept a secret list of famous and powerful people to whom he trafficked underage girls for sex. Dershowitz is a criminal defense attorney known for representing high-profile clients including Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. Dershowitz was part of the criminal defense team for Epstein after the disgraced late financier was investigated over claims he had solicited sex from minors on a number of occasions. The attorney had previously become familiar with the financier through a mutual acquaintance. Trump's administration said earlier this year that it would release the documents and names of people connected to Epstein's inner circle before backtracking and claiming there's no such list, to the fury of many in the MAGA movement. Elon Musk claimed Trump himself was mentioned in the Epstein files, without providing evidence, amid their public spat spurred by the Republican spending package. Earlier this week, Trump was asked about Epstein who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019. 'Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?' Trump asked a reporter. 'This guy's been talked about for years. You're asking — we have Texas, we have this, we have all of the things. And are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable.' Sigrid McCawley represents a number of Epstein victims in their civil cases. During an appearance on NewsNation, she said, 'I think what's really just astonishing about this recent disclosure from the government is that they know they are sitting on a treasure trove of information, and they're not turning it over.' 'And I've worked on these cases for over 10 years now — there's a plethora of information that the public has not been able to see relating to Epstein and his co-conspirators,' she added. Dershowitz said the list is being kept under wraps to 'protect' the people involved. 'I know the names of people whose files are being suppressed in order to protect them, and that's wrong,' he told Spicer, who was Trump's first White House Press Secretary during his first term. Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre died by suicide earlier this year following a battle with illness and sexual abuse trauma. McCawley called for those connected to Epstein's crimes to be held accountable. 'Epstein could not have run this operation without the help of many people. He needed a lawyer who would, you know, cover things up for him. He needed an accountant who would funnel money in certain ways,' said McCawley. 'And as we know, he had a group of people around him who helped protect him and help that scheme to continue running. None of those people have been prosecuted,' she added. The government memo released this week was clear that no new evidence has been found related to the Epstein case and no further investigations will be launched into other individuals. Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for child sex trafficking offenses. Dershowitz was a member of Trump's defense team during his first impeachment trial in 2020 and was separately part of the defense team that negotiated a 2006 non-prosecution agreement for Epstein. The attorney joined Trump's team after supporting Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. 'I'm there to try to defend the integrity of the Constitution. That benefits President Trump in this case,' he said at the time.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
FBI and DOJ Memo Claims There Is No Jeffrey Epstein Client List After All
Not only did Jeffrey Epstein take his own life, but his infamous 'client list' does not exist, the FBI and the Department of Justice have declared in a bombshell review. The list, which has been the subject of speculation since the disgraced financier died in 2019, was said to include detailed records of his activities with high-profile individuals including flight logs to his private island. The new information, released in a two-page memo and first published by Axios, directly contradicts theories floating in right-wing circles surrounding the nature of Epstein's death and an apparent government 'deep state' plot behind it; prominent conservative figures have repeatedly called for the Trump administration to release the files in full. Trump's Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed in February she had been given Epstein's client list from the FBI, which she was preparing to investigate and release on grounds of 'transparency', noting 'Americans have a right to know.' Yet according to the memo obtained by Axios, investigators found 'no incriminating 'client list'', along with 'no credible evidence... that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals.' It adds there is no 'evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties.' It says investigators have viewed a video from the Manhattan prison that supports a medical examiner's finding the 66-year-old took his own life. The memo also adds there will be no charges for anyone else involved in the Epstein case; his associate Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence on child sex trafficking and related charges. In its memo, according to ABC News, the DOJ memo states that among the government highest priorities is 'combatting child exploitation and bringing justice to victims.' It then adds: 'Perpetuating unfounded theories about Epstein serves neither of those ends.' Bondi was asked in February when the DOJ would release the list of Epstein's clients. She told Fox News, 'It's sitting on my desk right now to review, that's been a directive by President Trump.' At that time, Donald Trump Jr. reposted a story saying Bondi had accessed Epstein's client list, adding 'LFG', or let's f--king go. The next month, talking to Fox's Sean Hannity, Bondi clarified the FBI initially had only handed over 'a couple of hundred pages of documents.' She added, 'You're looking at these documents going, 'these aren't all the Epstein files, there were flight logs, there were names, victims' names, where's the rest of the stuff? And that's what the FBI had turned over to us.'' After receiving 'thousands' of pages, Bondi said in March, 'We're going to go through it as fast as we can but go through it cautiously to protect all the victims of Epstein because there were a lot of victims.' The Attorney General said at the time that there were at least 254 victims of Epstein, who was accused of serial sex trafficking of women and girls, including at his Miami mansion and private island in the Caribbean. Bondi added, 'We believe in transparency, America has the right to know. The Biden administration sat on these documents, no one did anything with them. It's a new day, it's a new administration everything's going to come put to the public, the public have a right to know, Americans have a right to know.' The Daily Beast has contacted the Department of Justice for comment. The new finding comes a month after Elon Musk blew up his relationship with Donald Trump by posting on X, 'Time to drop the really big bomb: Donald Trump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public.' He later deleted the post. After Musk's claims on X about Trump being on Epstein's list, the president told NBC News, 'That's called 'old news.' That has been talked about for years. Even Epstein's lawyer said I had nothing to do with it–it's old news. This has been talked about for years and years. And as you know, I was not friendly with Epstein for probably 18 years before he died. I was not at all friendly with him.' Musk later deleted the claims from his account. The news of the latest memo shocked many MAGA influencers. Savanah Hernandez posted on X, 'Why did Pam Bondi get in front of the entire nation and say she had the Epstein client list on her desk? She should step down as Attorney General for lying to the American public.' Alexander Sheppard, who was jailed for his role in the January 6 riots, said on X, 'Dan Bongino either lied to us on his podcast for several years or he is lying to us now…" Deputy FBI Director Bongino, along with FBI Director Kash Patel, have been among the most vocal of the Epstein files.
