Donald Trump has been plunged into a fresh controversy, accused of orchestrating a "cover up" after US authorities failed to release the full cache of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation by a legally mandated deadline.
Partial Release Sparks Outcry
With just hours to go before the court-ordered release, the US Justice Department confirmed that only a portion of the long-awaited Epstein files would be made public. This move came despite Congress mandating full disclosure under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which required publication by midnight on 19 December 2025.
US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that "several hundred thousand" records would be released initially. However, he admitted thousands more would be withheld to protect the identities of Epstein's victims, with further documents expected in the coming weeks.
Democrats Allege Political Protection
The decision prompted immediate and fierce accusations from senior Democrats, who claimed the delay was a deliberate attempt to shield former President Trump. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer led the charge, stating: "Senate Democrats are working closely with attorneys for the victims... to assess what documents are being withheld and what is being covered up."
Schumer added, "People want the truth and continue to demand the immediate release of all the Epstein files. This is nothing more than a cover up to protect Donald Trump from his ugly past." Trump has consistently denied any involvement in Epstein's crimes and maintains he severed ties with the disgraced financier before his death.
New Photos and Disturbing Details Emerge
The controversy erupted as 68 new photographs from Epstein's estate were released on 18 December. The images featured several high-profile figures, including:
- Microsoft founder Bill Gates
- Film director Woody Allen
- Philosopher Noam Chomsky
- Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon
It is crucial to note that being pictured does not imply any wrongdoing.
Among the disturbing materials was an image showing a screenshot of a WhatsApp chat. In it, an unknown contact discusses recruiting young women, specifically mentioning an 18-year-old from Russia and quoting an apparent fee of "$1,000 per girl."
Another photograph depicted a young woman with text from Vladimir Nabokov's controversial novel Lolita—which details a middle-aged man's obsession with a 12-year-old girl—written on her foot, chest, and neck.
As the Justice Department continues its review process, citing victim protection, the political storm over the withheld documents shows no sign of abating, with demands for full transparency growing louder.
