Big names surface in latest Epstein files as U.S. Justice Department releases new documents

WASHINGTON — A new tranche of documents released by the U.S. Justice Department on Friday has brought renewed public attention to Jeffrey Epstein’s network of high-profile contacts, with records referencing figures from politics, business, entertainment, and sports. The disclosure comes more than 40 days after the Dec. 19 deadline set by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed by Congress and signed in November to mandate the release of federal materials related to Epstein’s activities.

The latest files, which are being independently reviewed by major news organizations, follow earlier releases that included emails, photographs, and travel references involving prominent individuals such as President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger, Woody Allen, and Larry Summers. None of those named in the records have been formally accused of criminal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.

Former Prince Andrew

Among the newly released materials are photographs depicting Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, in close physical proximity to an unidentified woman. The images, which lack contextual details such as time and location, show both individuals fully clothed. Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III and son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He was stripped of royal titles and duties following public scrutiny of his association with Epstein.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged anyone with relevant information to cooperate with U.S. investigators, saying, “You can’t be victim-centered if you’re not prepared to share that information.” Prince Andrew has not responded to a request from members of the U.S. House Oversight Committee for a transcribed interview. His representatives have been contacted for comment.

Elon Musk

Emails dating back more than a decade suggest limited correspondence between technology entrepreneur Elon Musk and Epstein, including discussions about potential holiday visits to the Caribbean. In one 2012 exchange, Epstein asked how many people Musk would bring to his island by helicopter, to which Musk replied, “Probably just Talulah and me,” referring to his then-wife, Talulah Riley. Other messages referenced party invitations in St. Barts.

Musk stated on social media that he had “very little correspondence with Epstein” and declined repeated invitations to visit Epstein’s island or use his private aircraft, adding that emails could be misinterpreted by critics. CBS News has sought comment from Musk.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick

Emails show that Howard Lutnick, now U.S. Commerce Secretary, and his family coordinated travel to Epstein’s private island, Little Saint James, in 2012. Correspondence indicates Lutnick accepted a lunch invitation from Epstein during that period.

However, Lutnick has previously told the New York Post that he and his wife cut ties with Epstein in 2005 after an uncomfortable visit to Epstein’s New York townhouse. A Commerce Department spokesperson said Lutnick had limited interactions with Epstein in the presence of his wife and has never been accused of wrongdoing.

Steve Tisch

The documents include a series of 2013 emails between Epstein and New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch that discuss women they had met. Some of the exchanges contain explicit language. Tisch told CBS News that he never visited Epstein’s island and regrets any association, stating that Epstein was “a terrible person.”

The NFL and the New York Giants have been contacted for comment.

Bill Gates

Two emails Epstein sent to himself in July 2013 contain unverified and disputed claims involving Bill Gates, including allegations of extramarital conduct and medical treatment. A spokesperson for Gates called the claims “absolutely absurd and completely false,” stating that the documents demonstrate Epstein’s efforts to defame Gates after failing to maintain a relationship with him.

The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Epstein attempted to leverage knowledge of a purported affair involving Gates and a Russian bridge player, a claim neither party has confirmed.

President Donald Trump

The newly released materials contain hundreds of references to President Trump. A 2009 deposition by Epstein’s former house manager states that Trump never stayed overnight at Epstein’s Palm Beach home and never received a massage there. Another message from 2012 suggests a possible invitation for Epstein to visit Mar-a-Lago, though it is unclear whether the trip occurred.

The Justice Department noted that some information in the documents about Trump is untrue. Trump said the files further exonerate him.

Steve Bannon

The release includes nearly two hours of video from an interview conducted by Steve Bannon, a former White House strategist, with Epstein. In the footage, Epstein refers to himself as a “tier one” offender, which he describes as the lowest category. Emails from late 2018 and early 2019 also reference Epstein gifting Apple watches to Bannon and his son.

Bannon has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Brett Ratner

Photographs in the files show filmmaker Brett Ratner seated with Epstein and two women. Ratner has previously denied allegations of sexual misconduct made against him in 2017. His production company has been contacted for comment.

Dr. Mehmet Oz

A 2004 transaction report shows Epstein paid for travel expenses totaling $1,592 for Dr. Mehmet Oz, now administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Epstein was later invited to an event where Oz was a speaker but declined. CMS has not responded to inquiries.

Kathryn Ruemmler

Emails from 2015 show Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel under President Barack Obama and now chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs, expressing affection for Epstein in a private message. She later told the Wall Street Journal in 2023 that she regretted ever knowing him.

Woody Allen, Bill Clinton, and Jeff Bezos

The files reference text exchanges between Epstein and filmmaker Woody Allen in 2015 about a possible museum or White House visit. Allen has denied past allegations of abuse made by Mia Farrow.

An October 2009 email from publicist Peggy Siegal mentions that Bill Clinton and Jeff Bezos attended an after-party at Ghislaine Maxwell’s home. Clinton’s office has previously stated that his travel on Epstein’s plane in the early 2000s was related to Clinton Foundation work and included staff and security.

Analysis

The latest Epstein document release underscores the breadth of Epstein’s social and professional connections, but it also highlights the limits of transparency without clear legal context. Many of the records consist of emails, photographs, and unverified claims that reference well-known figures without establishing criminal conduct. As public interest intensifies, the challenge for investigators, journalists, and the public alike is to distinguish documented evidence from allegation and implication, ensuring that accountability, where warranted, is grounded in verified facts rather than association alone.