U.S. House Democrats have unveiled a collection of photographs from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, showcasing notable figures such as Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, and former Prince Andrew. The House oversight committee Democrats disclosed fewer than 100 images out of over 95,000 obtained from Epstein’s estate following his 2019 death in a New York jail while facing sex trafficking accusations.
Among the photos are snapshots of Epstein alongside various celebrities. Apart from Trump and Clinton, the images capture him on a beach with entrepreneur Richard Branson and engaged in conversation with lawyer Alan Dershowitz. Additionally, there are pictures of Epstein with filmmaker Woody Allen, including one apparently taken on a film set, and with Trump’s former chief of staff Steve Bannon. Notably, there is a photo featuring Microsoft founder Bill Gates, although none depict Gates with Epstein.
One photo shows Clinton with Ghislaine Maxwell and Epstein, with what seems to be Clinton’s signature on the undated picture. Another image presents Trump with six unidentified women wearing leis, with the women’s faces obscured. The release did not clarify the context or origin of this photo.
The Democrats rolled out the photos in two rounds. The initial set of 19 photos predominantly spotlighted prominent personalities, with two images showing sex toys. The subsequent batch of around 70 photos exhibited Epstein with a swollen lip, bathing, and posing with a book regarding his scandalous history.
The photos underscore Epstein’s associations with affluent and influential individuals, revealing no incriminating evidence. These images originated from the Epstein estate but were made public by the House oversight committee Democrats. In contrast, the Republican-led committee has been actively engaging with the Epstein estate to procure materials, including around 23,000 emails that were recently released.
The Democrats’ decision to disclose these photos is being viewed as a strategic move to spotlight Trump’s past ties with Epstein and to pressure the Department of Justice to release all relevant investigative data as mandated by law. Trump has distanced himself from Epstein in recent statements, asserting that their relationship ended before Epstein’s legal troubles.
Notably, the so-called Epstein Files held by the U.S. Department of Justice pertain to criminal investigations into Epstein and his associates, with a recent congressional law compelling the release of non-classified investigative files by the DoJ next week. The political implications of the photo release have sparked debates, with the White House criticizing the Democrats for allegedly distorting the narrative surrounding Trump and Epstein.
Individuals featured in the photos have offered varying responses regarding their ties to Epstein. Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein’s private jet but denies awareness of Epstein’s illicit activities. Prince Andrew has faced repercussions due to his connections to Epstein, although he maintains his innocence. Moreover, Harvard professor Larry Summers expressed remorse following revelations of his extensive correspondence with Epstein, announcing a withdrawal from public responsibilities.
