Stephen King has made a four-word appeal over the Epstein files after previously taking aim at Donald Trump by citing a Bible verse.
King has long been outspoken in his criticism of the president and has, on more than one occasion, publicly mocked Trump’s writing style and spelling.
As a career author, King has previously highlighted the way Trump often randomly capitalises words in posts shared on Truth Social.
“Can you possibly trust a President who can’t spell, has serious problems with grammar, and capitalizes at random? I think not. A President who can’t write can’t think. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
He has now turned his attention to documents connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while also renewing his criticism of Trump with a reference to scripture.
“In Matthew chapter 21: Christ drove the money changers from the temple, crying, ‘You have turned the house of prayer into a den of thieves’.
What do you think He would make of Trump and his pals?”
King then followed that up with a short message calling for more transparency.
“Epstein files. Release ’em.”
His comments came as the latest fight over the Epstein records intensified in Washington. The Justice Department has already released millions of pages of material tied to Epstein, but critics have argued that too much of it remains redacted or withheld. In recent weeks, the department has said some of the unreleased material is being kept back to protect victims’ identities and personal information, while also facing pressure from lawmakers, journalists and survivors to publish more of the case file.
That pressure increased after a federal judge ordered the Justice Department to either provide unredacted versions of several Epstein-related records or explain why those documents cannot be disclosed. The ruling followed a lawsuit accusing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche of improperly redacting material, including interview notes connected to allegations involving Trump. The Justice Department has said it plans to appeal.
The court set a July 2 deadline for the department to respond.
During the past year, the Justice Department has repeatedly said it has already published all of the Epstein-related documents it is able to release, while congressional action and court fights have kept the issue in the spotlight. Earlier releases also drew criticism after lawyers for victims said some files had been too heavily or incorrectly redacted, adding to calls for greater transparency.
A spokesperson for the department told CBS News that an appeal is planned.
“The Acting Attorney General has not conceded anything. Judge Sullivan’s perverse interpretation appears to be focused on driving misleading headlines,” the spokesperson said. “This judge is suggesting DOJ violate the law by un-redacting victim names, who as the Department has always explained, sadly became co-conspirators. DOJ has produced all responsive documents and will appeal this decision with confidence.”