Epstein files live updates: DOJ releases new documents — here's what we're seeing so far
Department of Justice
New Epstein files released — Here's the latest
The Justice Department has officially released documents on Jeffrey Epstein, the well-connected financier who killed himself in jail while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges in 2019.
Friday's disclosure is the first of what are expected to be several rounds of document releases over the coming weeks as the DOJ scrambles to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law in November.
The documents contain a trove of photos, some of which feature famous names, including former President Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, and singer Diana Ross.
While a past relationship with Epstein is no indication of wrongdoing, his victims and other members of the public have pushed for the disclosure in hopes that the DOJ's records might shed light on those connections and law enforcement's handling of the case.
So what else do the latest Epstein files contain? Business Insider reporters have begun reviewing the documents and photos, and we'll report out highlights as they're discovered.
Follow along for the latest:
Moments before the DOJ's midnight deadline to release all of its files related to Epstein, a sixth dataset, which can be accessed here, was released. Shortly after, a seventh, accessible here, dropped.
The files include grand jury testimony and presentations from the United States v. Epstein and United States v. Maxwell cases, as well as indictments in the Maxwell case. Multiple documents, which contained hundreds of pages, included photos of properties, flight logs, and memos written by or referencing Epstein and Maxwell.
President Donald Trump was previously identified as Doe 174 in Virginia Giuffre's 2015 defamation case against Ghislaine Maxwell. Giuffre had sued Maxwell, Epstein's associate, for calling Giuffre's claims of abuse "lies." The case was later settled — but not before a massive release of documents, some of which implicated powerful figures like Prince Andrew and others.
Among the documents included in the archive on Friday was a previously released chart detailing the pseudonyms of individuals identified in the Giuffre v. Maxwell case who did not object to the unsealing of the records, as well as the relevant docket entries in which those individuals were referenced in the case. References to Doe 174, who was later identified as Trump, had been identified on nine different docket entries.
In 2024, a judge ordered the unsealing and release of six of the nine documents. In the latest batch of documents, released on Friday, each of the nine docket entries where Doe 174 was referenced remains either partially or completely redacted.
Trump has previously said he supports the complete, unredacted release of documents that reference him. It remains unclear whether Trump fought to keep his name redacted before the judge unsealed it in 2024.
Department of Justice
The DOJ just added a 5th dataset to its December 19 release of Epstein documents, suggesting that new documents could be released at any time.
The latest dataset, which you can access here, consists mainly of photos of what appears to be evidence collected by the feds in their investigation of Jeffrey Epstein.
There's a photo of a chain-of-custody evidence envelope from 2009, boxes of folders, and envelopes marked with evidence tape.
Department of Justice
Mick Jagger is among the famous faces that appear in the files dropped Friday. Two photos that appear to have been taken at a dinner show the Rolling Stones front man with former president Bill Clinton, Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell.
It's unclear when the photos were taken. Appearing in the files does not necessarily suggest that a person has engaged in wrongdoing.
Business Insider previously reported that Jagger's name appeared in an address book that belonged to Epstein. His name was also mentioned in documents released by the Justice Department regarding Epstein in February.
A representative for Jagger did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
Among the trove of documents is an FBI complaint, dated September 3, 1996, that accused Epstein of possessing child sexual abuse materials.
Names are redacted from the document, but The New York Times reported the complaint was made by Maria Farmer, a woman who worked for Epstein and has accused him of sexual abuse.
Farmer has previously said she reported Epstein to the FBI in 1996 — nearly a decade before he was investigated by authorities. The FBI has not publicly acknowledged receiving the complaint.
"I feel redeemed. This is one of the best days of my life," Farmer said in a statement shared by her lawyer, adding, "I want everyone to know that I am shedding tears of joy for myself, but also tears of sorrow for all the other victims that the FBI failed."
The complaint identified Farmer only as a professional artist. It said Epstein had stolen photos she'd taken of her sisters, then 12 and 16, and that he was "believed to have sold the pictures to potential buyers."
It also said Epstein had at one time asked her to take pictures of young girls at swimming pools, and that he threatened to burn her house down if she told anyone about the photos.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia posted about Farmer's complaint on Friday after the release of the files.
"Trump called me a traitor for refusing to take my name of the discharge petition," she wrote on X. "I couldn't be more proud I stayed on."
As of 7 p.m. ET, more than three hours after the first batch of documents was made public, Trump has not commented. The White House released a statement earlier in the day saying that the Trump administration has "done more for the victims than Democrats ever have."
In posts on Truth Social made after the files were released, Trump pledged "very serious retaliation" against ISIS fighters after three Americans were killed in Syria last week, praised Elise Stefanik's political career, and promoted his attendance at an event in North Carolina, among other posts.
A bipartisan duo of House lawmakers responsible for pushing the Epstein files bill through Congress is displeased with the Justice Department's release of documents thus far and publicly proposing remedies.
"Unfortunately, today's document release by @AGPamBondi and @DAGToddBlanche grossly fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law that @realDonaldTrump signed just 30 days ago," Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, wrote on X. "@RepRoKhanna is correct."
Unfortunately, today’s document release by @AGPamBondi and @DAGToddBlanche grossly fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law that @realDonaldTrump signed just 30 days ago. @RepRoKhanna is correct. https://t.co/gZQyQBUT4R
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 19, 2025
Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, said it was unacceptable that many documents remain redacted, despite the law allowing only narrow exceptions and requiring explanations for such redactions. He threatened the possibility of impeachment if Justice Department officials do not comply, though such action would require at least some Republican support.
"Thomas Massie and I are exploring all options," Khanna said in a video posted on X. "It can be the impeachment of people at Justice, inherent contempt, or referring for prosecution those who are obstructing justice."
Department of Justice
Not surprisingly, Epstein's longtime friend and sex trafficking accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, features heavily in the files dropped on Friday. The files include photos of them traveling together and her dressed up in a uniform.
The daughter of a British media Tycoon, Maxwell was a constant presence in Epstein's life over the decades. The two were even romantically involved at one point.
Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence at a minimum-security federal prison in Texas for her role in Epstein's sex trafficking operation.Read full story
Some redactions to the files are drawing ire online.
"Breaking News: The Epstein Files," wrote Julie K. Brown, a journalist whose investigation at the Miami Herald led to the arrest of Epstein, alongside a screenshot of a fully redacted document.
Breaking News: The Epstein Files pic.twitter.com/9H7dmqWDTK
— julie k. brown (@jkbjournalist) December 19, 2025
Among the most heavily redacted content is an Epstein grand jury document that consists of 119 pages of nothing but black squares, and pictures in photo frames that are fully covered.
Ahead of the file release, the DOJ said in a statement that "all reasonable efforts have been made to review and redact personal information" about victims and other individuals.
The DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what qualifies as information that requires redaction.
Department of Justice
Former President Bill Clinton shows up in a lot of these photos, including one alongside Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell and actor Kevin Spacey.
Spacey wrote on X earlier this year that he welcomed the release of the files. "For those of us with nothing to fear, the
truth can't come soon enough," he wrote, adding, "I hate to make this about me — but the media already has."
Spacey had previously been tied to Epstein, including in the same Ghislaine Maxwell court documents as Michael Jackson. Spacey himself has faced sexual misconduct allegations, but has been cleared of charges in jury trials in New York and London.
Representatives for Spacey and Clinton did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
The DOJ has been investigating Epstein for the better part of two decades, starting around 2006 after local police in Palm Beach, Florida, began looking into complaints that he was luring young girls to his mansion by promising them money for massages.
It's no wonder then that the agency has so much data that Friday's drop — despite being a partial release —was broken into four parts.
DOJ
Former President Bill Clinton, pop star Michael Jackson, and singer Diana Ross are among the wealthy and powerful individuals included in the thousands of images released by the Justice Department.
Being featured in the photographs released, or having a tie to Epstein, is not an indication of wrongdoing, and it's unclear what the context of some of the photos might be. Clinton has long been connected to Epstein and took multiple trips on the disgraced financier's private plane.
In the newly released photos, Clinton is seen alongside Michael Jackson and singer Diana Ross. Another set of photos show the former president swimming and later relaxing in what appears to be a hot tub.
Jackson was also previously connected to Epstein, including a mention in court documents related to the prosecution of Epstein's co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Representatives for Clinton, Ross, and Jackson's estate did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.
https://www.justice.gov/epstein
The Epstein files archive is organized into sections and divided by topic: court records, DOJ dislcosures, Freedom of Information Act requests, and disclosures from the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Although the library contains a search function, it has limited functionality as the site notes, which warns that the search results may be "unreliable" due to the format of the documents.
Many of the documents are so heavily redacted, it is difficult to discern the context of the files. Others are duplicates of previously released records. There are also many, many photos.
A note on the homepage indicates that, should additional responsive documents be identified in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, they will be added to the archive.
Screenshot
Included among the photos were images of former President Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger, and Michael Jackson at gatherings with Epstein. One collection of photos included a series of nude photographs, redacted so as not to be explicit.
Other images appear to be from Epstein's Manhattan home, including photos of his bedroom, risque wall art, what appeared to be an effigy hanging from the staircase, and a taxidermied tiger.
"The Trump Administration is the most transparent in history. By releasing thousands of pages of documents, cooperating with the House Oversight Committee's subpoena request, and President Trump recently calling for further investigations into Epstein's Democrat friends, the Trump Administration has done more for the victims than Democrats ever have. And while President Trump is delivering on his promises, Democrats like Hakeem Jeffries and Stacey Plaskett have yet to explain why they were soliciting money and meetings from Epstein after he was a convicted sex offender. The American people deserve answers." Abigail Jackson WH spokeswoman
The DOJ added several warning notices about its Epstein documents. One advised that "certain portions of this library may not be appropriate for all readers" due to their descriptions of sexual assault.
Another warned that some people's personal information could be shared, and suggested that it was the fault of the legislation.
"In view of the Congressional deadline, all reasonable efforts have been made to review and redact personal information pertaining to victims, other private individuals, and protect sensitive materials from disclosure," the homepage reads. "That said, because of the volume of information involved, this website may nevertheless contain information that inadvertently includes non-public personally identifiable information or other sensitive content, to include matters of a sexual nature. In the event a member of the public identifies any information that should not have been posted, please notify us immediately at EFTA@usdoj.gov so we can take steps to correct the problem as soon as possible."
Screenshot
To access the files, the DOJ established a Ticketmaster-style queue system. However, queue numbers were only valid for 10 minutes before expiring, resulting in the loss of your place in line.
"We are currently experiencing extremely high volume of search requests at this time," reads a display screen where viewers were forced to wait in line. "We have placed you in a waiting queue and we will process your search request as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience."
The Department of Justice has released files on Jeffrey Epstein. You can find them here.
The big question is what they contain and whether they are searchable.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said earlier Friday that the DOJ will not release its complete trove of documents on Friday as required by the legislation. He said to expect "several hundred thousand documents today," including photos, and the rest "over the next couple of weeks."
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee
In speaking to Fox News on Friday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said to expect at least some photos in Friday's batch of documents.
"I expect that we're going to release several hundred thousand documents today, and those documents will come in all different forms — photographs and other materials associated with the investigation into Mr. Epstein," Blanche said.
In recent weeks, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have released new photos they obtained through subpoenas of Epstein's estate. We've seen titans of industry like Richard Branson, Bill Gates, and Sergey Brin.
Schiff responded to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who told Fox News on Friday morning that the DOJ would "release several hundred thousand documents today," but would fall short of releasing all files.
"The Epstein Files Transparency Act is clear: while protecting survivors, ALL of these records are required to be released today," Schiff wrote on Bluesky. "Not just some."
"The Trump administration can't move the goalposts. They're cemented in law," Schiff added.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law on November 19, states that the documents can be released no "later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act." According to the law, the attorney general needs to "make publicly available in a searchable and downloadable format all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in the possession of the Department of Justice."
In 2019, ahead of Epstein's arrest and suicide, Steve Bannon filmed what he said were 15 hours of interviews with Jeffrey Epstein.
That footage has remained under wraps. If the footage was on Epstein's hard drives, however, the DOJ might have obtained it when the FBI seized his electronic devices around the time of his arrest on sex-trafficking charges.
Recently released text messages between Epstein and Bannon have shed some light on the project, which was intended to be a promotional documentary to burnish Epstein's reputation.
Read that story here:Read full story
Justice Department officials told multiple news outlets earlier today that the files will be released at 3 p.m. ET.
The DOJ has now missed that deadline. By law, it has until midnight tonight to release all of its files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
While the specifics of what will be in the files released on Friday aren't clear, here is some of what is anticipated:
- Any deals between the government and Epstein associates, including non-prosecution agreements and sealed settlements.
- Records tied to Epstein's death in the Metropolitan Correctional Center, such as transcripts of interviews with people in neighboring cells the night he died.
- Records into what has widely been criticized as a "sweetheart deal" for Epstein by federal Florida prosecutors.
- Material surrounding calls victims say they made to the FBI as early as the 1990s about Epstein's conduct, which did not lead to any known law enforcement investigation.
- Additional flight records from Epstein's private jets.
The Justice Department is pushing back on criticism that it is not meeting the statutory deadline, characterizing it as an "initial deadline" — though the law does not call it that.
"The Trump administration is providing levels of transparency that prior administrations never even contemplated," the Justice Department's office of public affairs wrote on X. "The initial deadline is being met as we work diligently to protect victims."
The White House initially opposed the transparency law until enough Republican lawmakers broke with GOP leadership to join House Democrats, forcing a vote on the bill. After it became clear Congress would move ahead anyway, Trump flipped his stance on the legislation.
Reuters
During Epstein's 2019 arrest, the FBI searched his Manhattan townhouse and his home in the US Virgin Islands. In the process, they obtained more than 70 computers, iPads, and hard drives, along with financial documents and binders full of CDs.
Those seized materials form the heart of the "Epstein files," which could shed even more light on the deepest, darkest secrets of the notorious pedophile.
By law, the Justice Department is required to publish "all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials" about Epstein and Maxwell.
Those could include more emails and text messages, as well as internal prosecutorial records. The Justice Department has overseen two different criminal investigations into Epstein's sexual abuse of teenage girls. The first took place in Florida and led to a widely criticized plea deal in 2008. The second was the Manhattan-based investigation, which led to Epstein's 2019 arrest and Maxwell's prosecution.
"We are now examining all legal options in the face of this violation of federal law," Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Robert Garcia of California said in a joint statement. "The survivors of this nightmare deserve justice, the co-conspirators must be held accountable, and the American people deserve complete transparency from DOJ."
Raskin and Garcia serve as the top Democrats on the powerful House Judiciary Committee and the Oversight Committee, respectively. Since Democrats control neither chamber of Congress, their power to force the immediate disclosure of the documents is more limited.
Earlier today, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department would not meet the legal deadline imposed by bipartisan legislation that President Donald Trump signed into law in November that requires the DOJ to release "all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials" regarding Epstein and his conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell.
"I expect that we're going to release more documents over the next couple of weeks, so today several hundred thousand and then over the next couple weeks, I expect several hundred thousand more," Blanche said during an interview on Fox News.
Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's co-conspirator, was found guilty of sex trafficking and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Civil lawsuits involving Epstein, Maxwell, banks affiliated with Epstein, and the US Virgin Islands government have shaken loose even more details about his life. Various drips and drabs have also entered the public domain through Freedom of Information Act requests, government reports, and an inquiry from the Senate Finance Committee.
All of that may pale in comparison to what the Justice Department has in its possession.
Yes. In recent months, the House Oversight Committee has made public Epstein-related documents it obtained through subpoenas, including emails provided by his estate and never-before-seen photos of some of Epstein's powerful acquaintances, including Trump, Bill Gates, Larry Summers, and Steve Bannon.
Those disclosures have already led to some fallout. Summers, a former Treasury Secretary, has been barred from the American Economic Association for life and is no longer teaching classes at Harvard University, pending an investigation.
Epstein killed himself in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. He was known for rubbing elbows with powerful people — even after he was convicted of soliciting sex from a minor in 2008. Over the years, he has counted Trump, Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and other titans of finance, law, politics, and science among his acquaintances.
While a past relationship with Epstein is no indication of wrongdoing, his victims and other members of the public have pushed for the disclosure in hopes that the DOJ's records might shed light on those relationships and law enforcement's handling of the case.