What latest released files show about Epstein's ties with prominent figures

Geoff Bennett:

Welcome to the "News Hour."

Political fallout is mounting today after the Justice Department released three million more files related to the investigations of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Amna Nawaz:

The DOJ has come under fire for how it's handled the release, with advocates raising questions about transparency and if the department has done enough to hold Epstein's associates accountable.

Our justice correspondent, Ali Rogin, has been digging into the latest documents, and she joins me now.

So, Ali, what more have we learned about the extent of Epstein's connections with some very prominent figures?

Ali Rogin:

Amna, taken together, these documents really indicate just -- they paint a deeper picture of Epstein's connections to some of the most influential people in politics, business, entertainment, even royalty.

There are new photos in this tranche of former Prince Andrew now, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, appearing on all fours kneeling on a female. Epstein also makes lurid claims in an e-mail against Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, which a Gates spokesperson calls absurd and completely false.

There are e-mails between staffers of former President Bill Clinton in 2002. One of them e-mailed asking for then-Prince Andrew's address to invite him to a dinner. Keep in mind that was in 2002. Epstein was not formally convicted with prostitution and registered as a sex offender in 2007, but allegations state back far earlier than that.

Speaking of this timeline, what really stands out, apart from these more salacious details, is just how open the lines of communication remained between Epstein and these powerful people for years after his initial arrest.

For example, Tesla founder Elon Musk was exchanging e-mails with Epstein as late as 2014, including this one, where he asked Epstein if he had any parties planned and said he wanted to let loose and that a peaceful island experience is the opposite of what I'm looking for.

Amna Nawaz:

On Friday, I know you reported a lot about references to President Trump in some of these files. What more do we know about that and what have we heard from the president?

Ali Rogin:

Yes. And, of course, being mentioned in these files does not necessarily mean there was any wrongdoing. And the Department of Justice noted that they were required by law to include documents that may have been fake or falsely submitted.

But last night at the Grammy Awards, host Trevor Noah did joke about Trump spending time on Epstein island with Bill Clinton, which elicited this response from Trump on his social media -- quote -- "I can't speak for Bill, but I have never been to Epstein island."

And he said Noah should get ready for a lawsuit.

Amna Nawaz:

Well, we know among those pushing for the release of these files have been the many survivors of Epstein's abuse. What are we hearing from them?

Ali Rogin:

Epstein survivors say two things.

Number one, a lot of stuff was over-redacted that should be released to the public and other information was under-redacted that should have been kept secret.

Earlier today, I spoke with survivor Liz Stein, who is now an educator and activist fighting human trafficking worldwide. And shortly before we spoke, she said she had found her own name in the files.

Liz Stein, Jeffrey Epstein Survivor:

When we see things that we know perhaps should not be redacted, yet we see the release of survivors' information all over the place, it just feels incredibly careless. I think perpetrators are being protected, but victims of this crime, survivors of these crimes are not.

Ali Rogin:

Of course, Epstein died by suicide before he could be held accountable for his crimes, but many victims have been calling for justice for his co-conspirators.

Over the weekend, Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated that there was nothing in these documents that he thought could lead to anything, allow them to prosecute anybody. But Stein and many of her fellow survivors say this isn't over.

Liz Stein:

We have seen them say that this is the end before. And I think that, despite the injustices that we're seeing as survivors in the release of these files, it makes it all the more clear how important it is to get to the bottom of what happened here.

This was a crime. It was a crime of sex trafficking. It's not about politics. It's not about what a famous person's name or position is. This is about men who victimized girls and young women.

Ali Rogin:

Today, the Justice Department said they had identified some documents that they said were inadvertently produced and contained victim-identifying information. And they said they had removed all documents requested by survivors and their counsel by yesterday evening.

But, of course, again, Liz Stein said she found her name in the documents today.

Amna Nawaz:

Justice correspondent Ali Rogin.

Ali, thank you.

Ali Rogin:

Thank you.