In a recent release of documents by the US Justice Department, it has been revealed that former President Donald Trump flew on the private jet of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein multiple times during the 1990s. This latest batch of information, which the DOJ released in compliance with a new transparency law, sheds light on the nature of Trump’s past association with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Flight Records Unveiled
According to an email dated 7 January 2020 from a New York prosecutor, flight records indicate that Trump was aboard Epstein’s aircraft eight times. Notably, at least four of these flights included Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in facilitating Epstein’s sexual abuse of minors.
Trump’s Denial
- In a post on social media in 2024, Trump denied ever having been on Epstein’s plane, calling it a ‘stupid’ notion.
- The email disclosed that during one flight, the only other passengers were Epstein, Trump, and a 20-year-old woman, her name withheld.
While the DOJ’s documents detailed these flights, they did not allege any wrongdoing on Trump’s part. However, a broader context of speculation regarding his relationship with Epstein remains.
Contents of the New Release
The DOJ provided nearly 30,000 pages of documents, many redacted, alongside numerous video clips. One document noted an email from 2021 about an image of Trump with Maxwell found in data from former Trump aide Steve Bannon’s cellphone. A grainy photo from a New York fashion show in 2000 also surfaced in the releases, further linking the two.
Government’s Position
In its statement, the Justice Department affirmed that some material included unproven allegations against Trump, describing those submissions as ‘untrue and sensationalist’. Nevertheless, the department reiterated its commitment to transparency.
Political Reactions
Despite the significant revelations from the release, Trump has dismissed them as distractions from Republican accomplishments. Representative Thomas Massie, who sponsored the law requiring these disclosures, criticized the administration’s handling, suggesting that excessive redactions undermined the intent of the legislation.
Through this unfolding saga, one thing is clear: the story surrounding Epstein and his associates, including Trump, continues to captivate and raise many eyebrows.