Blue Press Journal

Tag: Epstein files

  • Trump’s Account of Epstein Friendship Contradicted by Newly Released Documents

    Blue Press Journal – A trove of newly released documents has cast doubt on Donald Trump’s long-standing claims about the nature of his relationship with convicted child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. The documents, obtained by the House Oversight Committee through a subpoena of Epstein’s estate, reveal a far more intimate connection between Trump and Epstein than the former president has ever acknowledged.

    According to the emails, which were released on Wednesday with victims’ names redacted, Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell expressed concern in 2011 that Trump, who was then considering a run for president in 2012, had not yet mentioned them. This revelation directly contradicts Trump’s repeated assertions that he knew nothing about Epstein’s illicit activities, including his relationships with underage girls.

    In a 2002 interview with New York magazine, Trump described Epstein as a “terrific guy” and said that he “likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.” This statement is particularly damning given Trump’s subsequent denials of any knowledge about Epstein’s wrongdoing.

    The newly released documents also include an email from Epstein to journalist Michael Wolff in 2019, in which Epstein wrote that “of course” Trump knew about the girls, “as he asked Ghislaine to stop.” This statement suggests that Trump was not only aware of Epstein’s activities but had also taken steps to distance himself from them.

    Furthermore, Epstein’s email to Wolff appears to confirm that Trump had spent time with one of Epstein’s victims, stating that Trump had spent “hours” at Epstein’s home with the individual. When asked about this specific claim, a spokesperson for Trump’s White House declined to comment, neither confirming nor denying the assertion.

    The release of these documents raises serious questions about Trump’s credibility and his administration’s efforts to conceal information about Epstein’s activities. Trump’s Justice Department has worked aggressively to prevent the release of any further information about Epstein, who was found dead in his jail cell following his second arrest in 2019.

    Moreover, the documents highlight the close ties between Trump’s team and Epstein’s associates. Todd Blanche, a top DOJ official who met with Ghislaine Maxwell after her arrest, had previously worked as one of Trump’s defense lawyers in his various criminal cases. Maxwell herself was transferred to a minimum-security prison, often referred to as a “Club Fed,” following her meeting with Blanche.

    The newly released documents are a significant embarrassment for Trump, who has tried to downplay his connection to Epstein. As the House Oversight Committee investigates Epstein’s activities and the Trump administration’s cover-up efforts, it is clear that Trump’s account of his friendship with Epstein does not match the facts.

    The revelations are likely to fuel investigations into Epstein’s crimes and the role of his high-profile associates. As evidence mounts, it becomes clear that Trump’s claims of ignorance about Epstein’s activities are merely an attempt to conceal the truth.

    In light of this overwhelming evidence, Trump’s defenders are bound to face a tough battle in keeping alive the absurd narrative that he was blind to Epstein’s corruption. As the investigation inches forward, brace yourselves for a parade of contradictions that will obliterate Trump’s claims, shedding sinister light on just how deeply he and his administration were ensnared in Epstein’s web of depravity.

  • Epstein Emails Raise New Questions About Trump’s Knowledge of Predator’s Crimes

    Blue Press Journal

    Washington D.C. – New emails released by House Oversight Committee Democrats on Wednesday suggest that President Donald Trump may have been aware of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal conduct, directly contradicting the President’s past attempts to distance himself from the convicted sex offender. The communications, obtained through a subpoena to Epstein’s estate, were previously undisclosed and have ignited further scrutiny into the nature of their relationship.

    In one particularly damning message, Epstein reportedly stated, “Trump knew about the girls.” Another email from 2011, addressed to his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, describes Trump as “the dog that hasn’t barked” in reference to spending time with an individual identified only as “VICTIM.”

    These revelations come as Democrats on the committee continue to probe the vast trove of documents seized from Epstein’s estate. The release of these emails directly challenges President Trump’s narrative of a limited association with Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges involving minors.

    The newly surfaced communications are separate from extensive Justice Department files that mention President Trump. However, their release raises concerns, prompting criticism from the committee’s Democratic members, who are demanding greater transparency and questioning what information the White House may be withholding about Trump’s awareness of Epstein’s predatory activities. The emails highlight troubling questions about Trump’s knowledge and the implications of his past association with Jeffrey Epstein.

    Read the emails here:

  • Republicans Face ‘Reckoning’ on Epstein Files as Shutdown End Pushes Trump Toward Crisis

    Blue Press Journal | Politics Desk

    With the end of the government shutdown, Republicans may be walking into one of the most politically perilous moments of the post-Trump era — and the timing could not be worse for the former president himself. 

    According to a Newsweek report, the resolution of the funding standoff has cleared a path for long-sought government files on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to potentially be made public. While the records have been a subject of speculation for years, political maneuvering on Capitol Hill now appears closer than ever to triggering their release. 

    The latest push comes from Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), whose petition to unseal the files has been inching toward the 218 signatures required to force a House floor vote. Only one name remains missing: Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ). She has pledged to add her signature immediately after being sworn in, a formality awaiting House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). Once she does, the measure would cross the threshold to proceed. 

    The political implications could be explosive. President Donald Trump campaigned in 2016 on promises of government transparency, including commitments to release certain high-profile case files. But on the Epstein matter, the former president later reversed course, calling the probe a “Democratic hoax” — a claim that has been undercut by public evidence, including a birthday card to Epstein obtained by The Wall Street Journal. Trump has denied any wrongdoing or deeper connection to the disgraced financier. 

    Attorney General Pam Bondi had previously fueled speculation when she suggested her office possessed a list related to Epstein. Her team later walked that back, clarifying she had been referring to general case files, not a names-only document. Still, multiple lawmakers have hinted that the unreleased material could implicate prominent figures across the political spectrum. 

    “If the files are released and they contain damaging information for the president, the Trump White House may need to be in full-blown crisis mode,” one GOP strategist told Newsweek.

    For Republicans, the timing is particularly sensitive. The party is still grappling with fallout from the recent shutdown standoff, and many members are eager to shift focus toward legislative priorities. Instead, they may soon be forced into a high-stakes media firestorm over one of the most scandalous cases in recent history — one that has already ensnared billionaires, royal family members, and political power brokers. 

  • Whistleblower Docs Allege Maxwell Received “Concierge” Prison Treatment, Sought Trump Commutation

    Blue Press Journal

    WASHINGTON — A whistleblower has provided documents to Congress suggesting convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell received privileged “concierge-style treatment” in a federal prison and sought a sentence commutation from former President Donald Trump.

    The documents, revealed to Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee, include an email indicating Maxwell requested Trump commute her 20-year sentence for her role in financier Jeffrey Epstein’s international child sex trafficking ring. The request came after Maxwell was transferred to a lower-security facility and sat for two days of questioning with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

    The whistleblower’s account alleges that at her new prison, Maxwell is given custom meals and access to staff facilities, treatment described as far more favorable than that of a typical inmate.

    Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the oversight panel, sent a sharply critical letter to Trump on Sunday, questioning the nature of the relationship.

    “[The email] shows either that Ms. Maxwell is herself requesting you release her… or that this child sex predator now holds such tremendous sway in the second Trump Administration that you and your DOJ will follow her clemency recommendations,” Raskin wrote in the letter, obtained by The Hill. “What information is Ms. Maxwell agreeing to suppress in order to receive such outlandishly favorable treatment?”

    The situation has intensified scrutiny of Trump’s past associations with Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting his own trial on sex trafficking charges.

    In a separate but related effort, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing for the release of all Justice Department documents related to the Epstein investigation. However, their discharge petition to force a House vote is currently one signature short. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has refused to seat newly elected Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.), effectively blocking the measure for now.

    The allegations have sparked outrage among critics who see them as evidence of a two-tiered justice system, where the connected and wealthy receive preferential treatment. The Justice Department has not yet publicly commented on the specific claims regarding Maxwell’s prison conditions.

  • House Republicans Reportedly Told Unreleased Epstein Files Are “Worse” for Trump

    DOJ tells Republicans that Epstein files even worse for Trump than they thought: report

    Blue Press Journal

    Washington, D.C. — Rumors are swirling among House Republicans that unreleased documents from late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein could contain highly damaging material involving former President Donald Trump, according to a report from veteran journalist David Shuster. 

    Shuster, a former reporter for MSNBC, CNN, and Fox News, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that several GOP lawmakers had heard from Justice Department sources that the Epstein files include evidence far more compromising than previously known. 

    “A few GOP House members say they’ve heard from FBI/DOJ contacts that the Epstein files (with copies in different agencies) are worse than Michael Wolff’s description of Epstein photos showing Trump with half-naked teenage girls,” Shuster wrote. Wolff, an author known for controversial exposes on Trump, had previously claimed that Epstein’s safe contained compromising images involving the former president. 

    The speculation reportedly intensified after Attorney General Pam Bondi, a Trump ally, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee. During her testimony, Bondi refused to answer a question from Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) about whether she had personally seen the photos seized from Epstein’s safe. Instead, she redirected by questioning Whitehouse about donations he received from LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, who has acknowledged ties to Epstein. 

    “She didn’t give a denial,” Shuster noted, adding that Bondi’s evasiveness had left some Republicans “spooked.” 

    The Epstein case remains a political controversy, with both major parties minimizing their ties to the disgraced financier. Epstein died in a federal jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges and had connections with numerous high-profile figures, including Trump, and Prince Andrew.

    Despite ongoing public pressure, the DOJ has resisted releasing the full cache of Epstein-related documents. If the claims circulating among GOP lawmakers are accurate, the unreleased files could reignite scrutiny of Trump’s past association with Epstein—a relationship the former president has previously dismissed as inconsequential. 

  • House Speaker of Delaying Vote on Epstein Files

    Blue Press Journal – As the threat of a government shutdown draws near, Democrats are accusing House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) of intentionally keeping the House of Representatives out of session to avoid a vote on the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The House had been scheduled to vote on Monday and Tuesday, but Johnson canceled the votes, citing the need to pressure Senate Democrats to accept a government funding bill passed by the House earlier this month.

    However, Democrats argue that the real motive behind the delay is to prevent a vote on the Epstein files, which could potentially embarrass high-ranking government officials and politicians. The files, related to the Justice Department’s investigation into the late sex trafficker, have been the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation.

    The delay in voting is also holding up the swearing-in of Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, a Democrat who won a special election last week to fill her late father’s Arizona seat. Grijalva’s presence in the House would provide the crucial 218th signature on a “discharge petition” that would force a vote on legislation to release the Epstein files.

    Rep. Katherine Clark (Mass.), the No. 2 Democrat in the House, wrote a scathing letter to Johnson on Monday, accusing him of depriving Grijalva’s constituents of representation and questioning the motive behind the delay. “Any delay in swearing in Representative-elect Grijalva unnecessarily deprives her constituents of representation and calls into question if the motive behind the delay is to further avoid the release of the Epstein files,” Clark wrote.

  • House Gains Momentum to Unseal Jeffrey Epstein Documents

    Blue Press Journal – In a significant development, the House of Representatives has finally garnered the necessary support to demand the release of documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. The momentum shift came after Democrat Adelita Grijalva’s victory in the special election for Arizona’s 7th District on Tuesday. Grijalva’s win is expected to tip the scales in favor of transparency, as she has pledged to sign a petition calling for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to unseal the Epstein files.

    The petition, which now boasts 218 signatures, crosses party lines, with a handful of Republicans joining their Democratic counterparts in demanding accountability. The magic number of 218 signatures is crucial, as it triggers a vote on the matter. While it is uncertain whether President Donald Trump’s DOJ will comply with the request, the mounting pressure from lawmakers may ultimately lead to the release of the long-sought documents.

    Epstein, a onetime close friend of President Trump, was embroiled in a high-profile sex trafficking scandal before his death in August 2019. The DOJ’s handling of the case has been shrouded in controversy, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding Epstein’s death and the extent of his connections to powerful figures.

  • Senate Democrats Push for Transparency in Epstein Case

    Blue Press Journal (DC) – In a surprise move, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) filed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Wednesday, seeking to direct Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all unclassified records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The amendment, which was added to the annual defense authorization bill, aims to shed light on the Epstein case and bring transparency to the Justice Department’s handling of the matter.

    Schumer’s amendment is identical to a bill being pushed by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) in the House, which would force the Justice Department to release all Epstein-related documents in its possession. The move comes as Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), have expressed support for transparency in the Epstein case, but have stopped short of committing to a vote on legislation directing the Trump administration to release the documents.

    Thune told reporters on Tuesday that he supports “transparency” in the Epstein case, but did not say whether the Senate would vote on a measure to release the documents if it passes the House. Schumer’s amendment puts pressure on Senate Republicans to take action on the issue, which has garnered significant public attention and outrage.

    The amendment was filed as the Senate Armed Services Committee prepares to vote on the NDAA, which is a key piece of legislation that authorizes funding for the nation’s defense programs. Schumer’s move is seen as a way to force the issue of Epstein transparency onto the Senate’s agenda, and to hold the Trump administration accountable for its handling of the case.

  • Epstein Victims Demand Transparency: Call on Trump Administration to Release Files in Full

    In a powerful and emotional display, victims of convicted sexual offender Jeffrey Epstein gathered outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to demand that the Trump administration release the Epstein files in their entirety. The press conference, attended by a large crowd of media, activists, and onlookers, marked a significant moment in the ongoing fight for justice and accountability in the Epstein case.

    Anouska De Georgiou, a woman who claims to have been abused by Epstein on his island in the Caribbean and elsewhere for years, spoke passionately about her experiences. “I am no longer weak, I am no longer powerless, and I am no longer alone,” she said. “And with your vote, neither will the next generation be.” De Georgiou directed her message to President Trump, urging him to use his influence and power to help the victims. “President Trump, you have so much influence and power in this situation. Please use that influence and power to help us,” she said.

    De Georgiou was joined by Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who have been leading the charge for transparency in the Epstein case. Massie emphasized that the Epstein scandal is not a hoax, but a real and serious issue that involves powerful and wealthy individuals who have been protected by their connections to the establishment in Washington, D.C. “This is not a hoax,” Massie said. “This is real. There are real survivors. There are real victims in this criminal enterprise, and the perpetrators are being protected because they’re rich and powerful and political donors to the establishment here in Washington, D.C.”

    The press conference also featured Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a major Trump ally, who joined the call for transparency and accountability. The presence of such a large and diverse crowd, including media, activists, and onlookers, suggests that the Trump administration’s efforts to bury the story will not succeed.

    One of the key issues at stake is the release of the Epstein files, which are currently being held by the Department of Justice (DOJ). While some pages have been released, they are heavily redacted, with some pages entirely blacked out. Massie criticized the DOJ’s handling of the documents, saying that they are allowing the department to “curate” the information that is being released. “If you’ve looked at the pages they’ve released so far, they’re heavily redacted,” Massie said. “Some pages are entirely redacted, and 97% of this is already in the public domain.”

    The victims who spoke on Wednesday repeatedly rejected Trump’s claim that the Epstein scandal is a hoax. Annie Farmer, who was abused by Epstein and made some of the earliest police reports about his conduct, called Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate, “a major architect” of Epstein’s trafficking and abuse. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking charges and is seeking a pardon from Trump.

    De Georgiou, who claims to have been abused by both Epstein and Maxwell, said that Maxwell’s potential pardon is a “nightmare” scenario. “This woman abused children,” De Georgiou said. “I was abused by Epstein and Maxwell for over 10 years, and she was present for some of my abuse. She was present, complicit and enabling. It’s one of my worst nightmares that she not only be transferred but the possibility that is very much going around that she might be pardoned. This is not OK.”

    The demand for transparency and accountability in the Epstein case is not going away. The victims and their supporters are determined to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for the abuse and trafficking are held accountable. As De Georgiou said, “I am no longer weak, I am no longer powerless, and I am no longer alone.” The Epstein victims and their allies will continue to fight for the truth and for justice, and they will not be silenced.

  • Judge Scolds Trump Administration for Withholding Epstein Documents

    Blue Press Journal (DC) – In a stinging rebuke, Judge Richard Berman has criticized the Trump administration for refusing to release over 100,000 pages of documents related to the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The judge’s blistering opinion comes as a grand jury motion was filed to unseal the documents, which the government has thus far refused to disclose.

    Judge Berman argued that the government is the logical party to make a comprehensive disclosure to the public, stating that the current grand jury motion appears to be a “diversion” from the broader scope of the Epstein files in the government’s possession. He emphasized that the law is clear on this issue, with few exceptions allowing for the release of grand jury materials.

    The judge noted that the Justice Department has the full authority to release the documents, which were compiled during its investigation into Epstein. By withholding these documents, the administration is denying the public access to crucial information about the case. This decision has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that the government is prioritizing secrecy over transparency.

    The Trump administration’s refusal to release the documents has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to accountability and openness. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has been instrumental in the administration’s handling of the Epstein case, has faced intense scrutiny for her role in withholding the documents.

    Judge Berman’s opinion serves as a stark reminder of the importance of government transparency, particularly in high-profile cases like Epstein’s. The public has a right to know the truth about the government’s investigation and any potential wrongdoing that may have occurred. By withholding these documents, the Trump administration is undermining this right and perpetuating a culture of secrecy.

    One thing is certain, however: Judge Berman’s scathing opinion has sent a clear message to the Trump administration that its attempts to withhold information from the public will not go unchallenged.