Discussion about the release of paperwork tied to Jeffrey Epstein has surged again, after a prominent Fox News figure publicly pushed back on the US president’s insistence that the documents leave him completely in the clear.
The material has been rolling out after new transparency requirements, and each drop has triggered renewed questions about who is mentioned and what accountability should follow. Some observers argue that redactions and long-running legal safeguards may still be masking information the public expects to see.
Members of Congress have also raised doubts about whether the disclosures meet the intent of the law. Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie, speaking about what he believes should be included, stressed that internal decision-making records must be part of any meaningful release.
“The problem with that is the bill that Ro Khanna and I wrote says that they must release internal memos and notes and emails about their decisions on whether to prosecute or not prosecute, whether to investigate or not investigate.”
Tension rose further after Donald Trump was questioned by a Fox News reporter about the arrest of the former Prince Andrew. Trump argued that the documents have already cleared him.
“Well, you know, I’m the expert in a way, because I’ve been totally exonerated…It’s really interesting, because nobody used to speak about Epstein when he was alive, but now they speak, but I’m the one that can talk about it, because I’ve been totally exonerated. I did nothing.”
The comments prompted an immediate reaction from The Five co-host Jessica Tarlov, who posted a direct rebuttal on X (formerly Twitter).
“Then release all the files.”
No statement has been issued by the White House so far, but the exchange has added to the growing pressure over what still hasn’t been made public.
Then release all the files. https://t.co/R9XbUIfCKE
— Jessica Tarlov (@JessicaTarlov) February 19, 2026
The moment has become the latest flashpoint in a broader dispute over whether the current document dump reflects the full record, or only a carefully limited slice of it.
Under the rules governing the release, any redactions must be accompanied by a summary of what’s being withheld and the legal justification for keeping it back, along with identification of any government officials referenced. In explaining certain withholdings, Attorney General Pam Bondi pointed to “deliberative-process privilege,” indicating that some internal discussions may remain protected.
Beyond Washington, the Epstein fallout continues to reverberate internationally, with scrutiny intensifying for figures connected to the wider saga — including the recently arrested former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
King Charles issued an official statement in response.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office…“What now follows is the full, fair, and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation.”