Jeffrey Epstein files were released today
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on January 30, 2026 released more than 3 million pages of previously sealed documents connected to financier Jeffrey Epstein — providing the most expansive public view yet of the network of individuals, correspondence and interactions linked to Epstein’s sprawling federal investigations. The release under the Epstein Files Transparency Act includes references to prominent Americans and global cultural figures, sparking renewed scrutiny and intense public interest.
The documents — which also include approximately 2,000 videos and 180,000 images — were made public after mounting pressure from lawmakers, survivors’ advocates and media watchdogs for greater transparency about the extent of Epstein’s social and professional connections.
Among the most newsworthy names referenced in the newly released tranche are a mix of political, business and cultural figures. While DOJ officials and legal experts emphasize that mention in the files is not evidence of criminal conduct, the breadth of public figures associated with the material has drawn intense attention.
Donald Trump:
Donald Trump, his now wife Melania, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell pose for a photo in February 2000 | Getty Images
The files reportedly reference former U.S. President Donald Trump multiple times based on internal FBI records and memos, including a heavily redacted 2021 memo suggesting encounters with an unnamed woman presented to Trump by Epstein’s confidante Ghislaine Maxwell — though no criminal allegations are made against Trump in the material.
Elon Musk:
Correspondence in the release shows interactions between tech billionaire Elon Musk and Epstein, including reported discussions about parties and a 2012 email in which Musk asked Epstein about hosting events on Epstein’s private Caribbean island — though Musk is not accused of wrongdoing in the documents.
Elon Musk (Right), Epstein (Left) who allegedly discussed about parties in 2012
Howard Lutnick:
Newly disclosed documents show that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was invited to lunch on Epstein’s private island in 2012, raising questions about the extent of his post-Epstein contacts despite prior statements that he had cut ties.
Mira Nair:
The files also include an email mentioning acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, the mother of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, in connection with an afterparty following a 2009 screening hosted by Epstein’s associate.
Steve Bannon and Bill Gates:
The release additionally references political strategist Steve Bannon and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in various emails and correspondence. In Gates’s case, the files contain unverified claims made by Epstein to himself that Gates had contracted a sexually transmitted infection — assertions that Gates has denied and which carry no legal implication.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche acknowledged that while this latest release represents the largest batch to date, hundreds of thousands of pages remain redacted or withheld due to legal privileges, victim privacy protections and other limitations on disclosure.
The files were posted on the DOJ website with extensive redactions, particularly to protect the identities of survivors and ongoing investigations, prompting some dissatisfaction from lawmakers and advocacy groups seeking deeper insight into Epstein’s network.
Despite the volume of material now public, critics note that the files encompass only part of what prosecutors originally catalogued; government reviews suggest the full collection consisted of more than 6 million pages, meaning the public release is still incomplete.
The released files contain a wide variety of documents, including:
- Emails between Epstein, Maxwell and assorted associates
- Guest lists from social events and trips
- Personal flight logs and travel arrangements
- Notes from FBI surveillance and interviews during the investigations
However, government officials and legal analysts caution that inclusion of a name in the files does not equate to evidence of participation in criminal activity. The DOJ has repeatedly emphasized that the documents represent records maintained during investigations, and some mentions come from secondary references, news clippings or social settings rather than direct involvement.
The release has already sparked debate on issues of government transparency, historical accountability and the ethical responsibilities of powerful individuals. Some lawmakers have called for additional documents to be released without redaction to allow full public scrutiny, while victims’ rights advocates warn against further dissemination of unredacted material that could compromise survivor privacy or ongoing legal actions.
Legal experts note that while the Epstein Files Transparency Act was enacted to force disclosure, its implementation has underscored the continuing tension between open justice and confidentiality protections in complex federal investigations.
Officials say additional material may be posted in future phases, subject to legal review and further redaction where necessary. Meanwhile, researchers, journalists and civil liberties organizations are combing through the massive trove for patterns, connections and previously unrevealed details that might warrant further inquiry.
