Live Updates: Epstein Files to Be Released Today Following New Federal Law

Federal authorities said a large volume of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation will be made public today, but the full release is expected to stretch over the coming weeks.

Officials indicated that the first set will include photographs and other case-related materials reviewed as part of earlier investigations. Additional records are expected to follow after further screening.

The Jeffrey Epstein case first came to light in 2005 in Palm Beach, Florida.

That year, the mother of a 14-year-old girl contacted local police after her daughter described a disturbing encounter at Epstein’s home. The teenager said she had been invited under the pretense of giving a massage. Once inside the house, she was pressured into sexual activity.

Police treated the complaint seriously and began investigating. As detectives spoke to other young girls in the area, a pattern quickly emerged.

More victims come forward

Investigators eventually identified dozens of underage girls who described nearly identical experiences. Many said they were approached with offers of money, gifts, or favors, then taken to Epstein’s homes in Palm Beach or New York.

Palm Beach police spent months building their case. Records showed Epstein owned multiple luxury properties and frequently hosted gatherings attended by wealthy and influential people.

Authorities also documented Epstein’s use of his private jet — later nicknamed the “Lolita Express” — to transport young girls between locations. Prosecutors said the trips were part of a broader system of abuse.

Role of Ghislaine Maxwell

Witnesses and court filings later pointed to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate, as a central figure in recruiting teenage girls. Several victims said Maxwell helped gain their trust and normalized the behavior that followed.

A controversial plea deal

Despite the volume of accusations, Epstein avoided a full trial.

In 2008, he reached a plea agreement that stunned many observers. He served 13 months in custody, but was allowed to leave jail daily for work. The deal shielded him from federal prosecution and drew sharp criticism from victims and legal experts.

Case resurfaces during #MeToo

After his release, Epstein largely disappeared from public view.

That changed years later as the #MeToo movement gained momentum in the United States. High-profile investigations into sexual abuse — beginning with reports on Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein — encouraged survivors to speak publicly about past abuse.

In 2017 and 2018, women across the world began sharing their stories. Among them was Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein of abusing her repeatedly while she was still a minor.

Her claims reopened scrutiny of Epstein’s past and prompted renewed media and legal attention. Over time, around 80 women publicly alleged that Epstein had abused or exploited them.

Why people are still asking questions

The Epstein case continues to draw attention because many decisions made by law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts remain unexplained. Key evidence was never fully aired in public, powerful associates were not charged, and victims say early warnings were ignored. As documents are released years later, the focus is less on Epstein himself and more on how the system handled the case — and who benefited from those choices.

Former British Prince Andrew

This photograph shows Prince Andrew standing alongside Virginia Giuffre, who has said she was 17 years old at the time. The image was taken on March 10, 2001, inside a private residence in London. Giuffre has previously alleged that she was introduced to Andrew through Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

US President Donald Trump

In this image, Donald Trump is pictured with six women whose identities are not visible. The photograph is among the materials circulating in connection with the broader Epstein document disclosures. No additional context about the setting or date is provided in the image itself.

Former US President Bill Clinton

This photograph captures Bill Clinton standing with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Clinton appears at the center of the image, with Epstein and Maxwell positioned nearby. The photo has resurfaced as part of renewed public attention on Epstein’s social and political connections.

Two senior Democratic lawmakers said they may take the Justice Department to court after officials indicated that only part of the Epstein files will be released today, despite a legal requirement for full disclosure.

The lawmakers said they are reviewing possible legal steps to force the department to publish all unclassified records without delay. They argued that releasing documents in stages does not meet the standards set by Congress.

Justice Department officials have said the staggered release is intended to prevent harm to victims, but lawmakers pushing for full disclosure rejected that explanation, saying transparency cannot be postponed.

They added that survivors deserve accountability and that the public has a right to see the complete set of records as required by law.

A survivor of Jeffrey Epstein has said she feels uneasy about the delay in releasing the full set of case documents, after authorities signaled that not all records would be made public today despite a legal deadline.

She said survivors had expected full disclosure immediately and that the lack of visible progress has created anxiety and uncertainty. According to her, waiting weeks for additional material raises fears about what may still be withheld.

Survivors played a central role in pushing lawmakers to require the Justice Department to release the files, arguing that transparency is critical after years of secrecy surrounding the case.

A federal judge on Friday heard arguments over whether Donald Trump is shielded from civil lawsuits accusing him of encouraging the January 6 Capitol attack aimed at disrupting the certification of the 2020 election.

Trump’s legal team argued that his actions before and on the day of the riot fall within the scope of presidential duties, and therefore cannot be challenged through civil litigation. They maintained that presidential immunity is meant to protect a sitting president’s ability to speak and act without fear of personal legal exposure.

Lawyers representing Democratic lawmakers countered that Trump was acting as a political candidate rather than in an official capacity, which would place his conduct outside the protections of presidential immunity.

The judge did not issue an immediate ruling after the hearing, leaving the immunity question unresolved as the case continues.