What we know about Epstein files

Documents mention political figures across US, Europe, Middle East, sparking global scrutiny and calls for accountability

Newly unsealed documents from a US federal court have disclosed the names of world leaders, royals, billionaires, and other elites linked to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The release of more than 3 million pages of records by the US Justice Department in a high-profile sex trafficking case has shed light on dozens of powerful figures allegedly connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, exposing links to political leaders, royals, diplomats and corporate elites across multiple continents. US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the documents, made public under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, include more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images. While redactions were applied to protect victims, particularly minors, 43 victims' names were released without concealment, including more than 20 who were underage at the time of abuse. US Among those named in the files were US President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Epstein’s emails contained unverified claims that Gates contracted a sexually transmitted disease after encounters on Epstein’s island. Gates denied all allegations. Emails also showed Epstein inviting Musk to his private island, while Trump is mentioned in connection with social and business ties. Trump said the documents cleared him of wrongdoing, stating they "contradicted expectations among the radical left." Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was shown arranging a family visit to Epstein’s island in 2012, despite later saying he had cut ties. Documents suggest they remained in contact until 2018. US lawmakers, including Republicans Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Thomas Massie, criticized the partial nature of the release, demanding the Justice Department disclose all files as legally required. UK, France Photographs and emails linked former Prince Andrew (Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor) to Epstein, including invitations to Buckingham Palace and references to private dinners. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Andrew should testify before Congress. Former UK ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, resigned from the Labour Party after records revealed Epstein made three $25,000 payments to accounts linked to him. French President Emmanuel Macron was also referenced in emails claiming he sought Epstein’s assistance on governance issues. The documents include quotes from Macron and mention meetings dating back to his time as economy minister. The French presidency has not issued a statement. Israel Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak was shown to have stayed at Epstein’s New York apartment multiple times. Other documents revealed Barak asked Epstein in 2016 to help arrange an interview with Donald Trump for Israeli media. Barak acknowledged contact but denied illegal activity. Norway, Sweden, Denmark Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit expressed regret over her contact with Epstein, saying it was "simply embarrassing." She confirmed visits to Epstein’s Florida home and Saint-Barthelemy but denied visiting the private island. Sweden’s Princess Sofia and Denmark’s King Frederik were also named. Sofia was invited to private events in New York by Epstein, and Frederik appeared in 2012 emails linked to dinners with Epstein's associates. Slovakia, Türkiye Miroslav Lajcak, a former foreign minister and adviser to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, resigned after his name appeared in the documents. He denied wrongdoing, stating the resignation aimed to avoid political strain. Landon Thomas Jr., a board member of Robert College in Türkiye, emailed Epstein in 2014 requesting fundraising advice and support for the school. The exchange raised fresh concerns about Epstein’s influence in educational and nonprofit sectors. Middle East Emails show Epstein and Emirati businessperson Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem discussed using former MI6 and Mossad agents to recover Libyan assets frozen after the Gaddafi regime’s fall. Other correspondence revealed discussions about projects in Somaliland, including a film studio and water exports. Ukraine, Russia One email suggested Russian opposition figure Ilya Ponomarev could replace Vladimir Putin, calling him an uprising organizer. A separate message stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was “seeking help” and described him as being “run by Israelis,” according to Epstein’s notes. Epstein Files Act The US Department of Justice on Friday released a new batch of more than 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents. Epstein was found dead in his New York City jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. He pleaded guilty in a court in Florida and was convicted of procuring a minor for prostitution in 2008, but critics call the conviction