On Friday, January 30, the US Justice Department disclosed a substantial set of Epstein files, amounting to three million documents, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos.
A few celebrity figures were noted in the newly released documents, such as President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
This release follows weeks after the department missed the initial deadline for sharing all related files.
“Today’s release marks the end of a very comprehensive document identification and review process to ensure transparency to the American people and compliance,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Yet, Democrats argue that there are additional files and materials that still need to be disclosed.
Democrat Robert Garcia expressed concerns: “Donald Trump and his Department of Justice have now made it clear that they intend to withhold roughly 50% of the Epstein files, while claiming to have fully complied with the law. This is outrageous and incredibly concerning.
“The oversight committee subpoena directs Pam Bondi to release all the files to the committee, while protecting survivors.”
Here are the significant points from this latest release. It’s important to recognize that being named in the files does not automatically imply guilt of wrongdoing.
Among the documents is a series of emails between Musk and Epstein, where they discuss Musk potentially visiting Epstein’s island, Little Saint James.
In December 2013, Musk messaged Epstein: “Will be in the BVI/St Bart’s area over the holidays. Is there a good time to visit?”
Epstein replied: “Any day 1st-8th. Play it by ear if you want. Always space for you… The 2 or 3 would be perfect. I will come and get you.”
Later, Epstein indicated he needed to remain in New York: “Bad news – Unfortunately , my schedule will keep me in New York. I was really looking forward to finally spending some time together with just fun as the agenda. so i am very disappointed. Hopefully we can schedule another time in the near future.”
In November 2012, Epstein had emailed Musk about travel plans, asking ‘how many people will you be for the heli to island’.
Musk replied: “Probably just Talulah and me. What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?” He added: “Do you have any parties planned? I’ve been working to the edge of sanity this year and so, once my kids head home after Christmas, I really want to hit the party scene in St Barts or elsewhere and let loose. The invitation is much appreciated, but a peaceful island experience is the opposite of what I’m looking for.”
Epstein replied: “Understood, I will see you on st Barth, the ratio on my island might make Talulah uncomfortable.”
Musk responded: “Ratio is not a problem for Talulah.”
Whether these visits occurred remains unclear.
Musk addressed the release on X, saying: “No one pushed harder than me to have the Epstein files released and I’m glad that has finally happened.
“I had very little correspondence with Epstein and declined repeated invitations to go to his island or fly on his ‘Lolita Express’, but was well aware that some email correspondence with him could be misinterpreted and used by detractors to smear my name.
“I don’t care about that, but what I do care about is that we at least attempt to prosecute those who committed serious crimes with Epstein, especially regarding heinous exploitation of underage girls.”
Epstein made a startling claim about Bill Gates, alleging that he contracted a sexually transmitted disease after being with ‘Russian girls’.
Epstein documented this in a memo to himself, asserting that Gates requested antibiotics to discreetly give to his ex-wife Melinda.
On July 18, 2013, Epstein emailed himself: “To add insult to the injury you them [sic] implore me to please delete the emails regarding your std, your request that I provide you antibiotics that you can surreptitiously give to Melinda and the description of your penis.”
An hour earlier, Epstein also sent an email resigning from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
He claimed: “From helping Bill to get drugs, in order to deal with consequences of sex with russian girls, to facilitating his illicit trysts, with married women, to being asked to provide adderall fro [sic] bridge tournamnts [sic].”
A representative for Gates has firmly denied these allegations, stating: “These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false.
“The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein’s frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame.”
Photos of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling over a woman were also released.
In one, Andrew is seen over a woman lying on the floor. Another shows him looking away from the camera, touching the woman’s stomach.
Andrew appears in another document detailing Epstein’s arrangement of a dinner with a 26-year-old Russian woman.
Andrew allegedly inquired: “Great. Any other information you might know about her that might be useful to know? Like what have you told her about me and have you given her my email as well?”
Epstein replied: “She 26, russian, clevere beautiful, trustworthy and yes she has your email.” Andrew responded: “That was quick! How are you? Good to be free?”
President Trump is also mentioned in the recent files, with an FBI list of allegations against him.
The BBC noted that many of these claims lack verification and evidence.
The White House and the Justice Department emphasized a note accompanying the documents.
“Some of the documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election,” the Justice Department stated.
“To be clear, the claims are unfounded and false, and if they have a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponised against President Trump already.”