The shocking revelations from the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files by the US Department of Justice have once again brought the disgraced financier into the spotlight. Despite his death in 2019, the files have shed light on the vast network of powerful and influential individuals that Epstein was connected to.
Epstein, a convicted sex offender, may have passed away but his name continues to dominate headlines. The release of these documents, which include emails and notes from the FBI, comes after the US Congress passed a law last year forcing the Trump administration to disclose all information it had on Epstein.
It is important to note that being mentioned in these files does not necessarily imply any wrongdoing. However, the documents have revealed some surprising and disturbing claims that have raised questions about the actions of some of the world’s most influential people.
The files, which date back decades, include information from before Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a 14-year-old girl. This conviction came after he reached a plea agreement with prosecutors and was accused of abusing dozens of teenage girls between 1999 and 2007. However, he only served 13 months behind bars after pleading guilty to lesser state charges.
Epstein’s arrest in 2019 on federal sex charges related to minors once again brought his name into the spotlight. However, his death in his prison cell only a month later left many questions unanswered. Now, with the release of these files, we are able to delve deeper into the shocking accusations and allegations against Epstein and those connected to him.
Here are some of the most surprising claims that have come to light from the Epstein files released last week.
1. Allegations Against Trump Sent To FBI
According to the documents, Trump’s name appeared alongside Epstein’s in more than a dozen unverified tips that were sent to the FBI. It is not clear where these tips came from and they include various unsubstantiated claims of sexual abuse.
The US President’s name also appeared in handwritten notes from an interview with one of Epstein’s victims. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that Trump visited Epstein’s home and that his wife, Melania, exchanged friendly emails with the financier in 2002.
However, after the release of the files, deputy attorney general Todd Blanche told Fox News that there was nothing in the documents that criminally implicated Trump. The Department of Justice also stated that some of the claims made against Trump in the files were unfounded and false, and were potentially weaponized against him during the 2020 election.
Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection to Epstein.
2. Musk’s Links To Epstein
The documents also show that Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and founder of Tesla, exchanged emails with Epstein in 2012 and 2013. These emails included plans for Musk to visit Epstein’s private island, but it appears that these plans fell through for logistical reasons.
In a message from November 2012, Musk asked, “What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?” However, the richest man in the world has stated that he has very little correspondence with Epstein and declined repeated invitations to go to his island.
In response to the revelations, Musk said, “If I actually wanted to spend my time partying with young women, it would be trivial for me to do so without the help of a creepy loser like Epstein and I would still have 99 per cent of my mind available to think about other things. But I don’t.”
3. Prince Andrew Invited Epstein To Buckingham Palace
The files suggest that the former prince invited Epstein to the royal household in 2010, even though Epstein had been released from house arrest following his conviction for soliciting underage sex.
In an email from September 2010, Epstein asked someone referred to as “the Duke” – believed to be Andrew as he was formerly the Duke of York – for “private time” in London. “The Duke” responded, “Delighted for you to come here to BP [Buckingham Palace]. Come with whomever and I’ll be here free from 1600ish.”
It remains unclear if this meeting between Epstein and the royal household ever took place. However, the files also reveal that Epstein offered to arrange for Andrew to have dinner with a “clever, beautiful, and trustworthy” 26-year-old Russian woman. Andrew also asked Epstein if it was “good to be free” after serving his sentence for his 2008 conviction
