Epstein files pull back curtain on Trump circle’s lingering ties

A large DOJ release of Epstein documents—millions of pages with tens of thousands of emails and videos—shows continued interactions between Jeffrey Epstein and figures in Donald Trump’s inner circle, such as Steve Bannon, Elon Musk, and Howard Lutnick, years after Epstein’s arrest. While no direct proof links these individuals to trafficking in the files, the materials challenge public denials of long-cut ties and indicate closer connections than previously acknowledged; some documents are redacted, and the release came after a congressional deadline. Myriad names and exchanges are highlighted, illustrating Epstein’s reach into powerful networks without proving illegal activity by those named.