Pam Bondi Dodges Questions on Epstein Client List Trump Admin Under Fire Epstein Files
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New Indian Express
21 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Trump mired in Epstein controversy as Wall Street Journal reports on 2003 letter
WASHINGTON: The controversy over President Donald Trump 's handling of records from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation entered a new dimension Thursday as his administration struggles to make good on its promises to release details on the sex trafficking case involving a one-time friend of the now-president. Trump promised a lawsuit after The Wall Street Journal described a sexually suggestive letter that the newspaper says bore Trump's name and was included in a 2003 album for Epstein's 50th birthday. Trump denied writing the letter, calling it 'false, malicious, and defamatory.' It came after Trump in recent days has berated as 'weaklings' supporters vying for more records from the Epstein probe, after years of courting political support from those who have stoked claims of a coverup in the case to protect wealthy friends of Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 awaiting trial on federal charges of trafficking of underage girls. Trump has also shielded his attorney general from being questioned about the case after she walked back claims of the existence of a 'client list' of elites who participated in Epstein's crimes, and has even taken to claiming without evidence that files were doctored by Democrats. In an administration that prides itself on changing the narrative on negative storylines, the Epstein saga has had remarkable staying power, thanks in part to infighting at high levels of government, Trump's blistering criticism of his own base and the head-scratching mystery of why documents his own administration promised to unlock will remain buried — seemingly for good. Thursday's disclosure — coupled with frustration from Trump-allied lawmakers on Capitol Hill — pushed Trump to abruptly reverse course and direct Attorney General Pam Bondi to try to make some of the documents in the case public. Bondi said she would seek court permission Friday to release grand jury information, but it would require a judge's approval, and she and Trump were silent on the additional evidence collected by federal law enforcement in the sprawling investigation that Bondi last week announced she would not release.
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Epstein scandal: Trump orders release of ‘any and all' case files; Pam Bondi vows ‘ready to move the court'
Amid mounting pressure from both Democrats and Republicans, US President Donald Trump has ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to release 'any and all' grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein . The new Epstein files could refer to more secret witness statements, evidence, and court proceedings from past criminal investigations into Epstein's sex trafficking network, reigniting public attention on the long-running scandal involving powerful and wealthy figures. 'Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval,' Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. 'This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!' Bondi, a close ally and legal adviser to Trump, confirmed her readiness to act. Reposting Trump's Truth Social message on X, she wrote, 'President Trump — we are ready to move the court tomorrow to unseal the grand jury transcripts.' This development comes as Trump strongly denies a Wall Street Journal report that claims his signature appears in a letter found in Epstein's 2003 birthday album. The Journal says the leather-bound book, compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein's 50th birthday, contains messages from influential associates and includes a typed letter signed 'Donald' inside the outline of a naked woman. Trump rejected the letter as a forgery and has threatened legal action against the Wall Street Journal, NewsCorp, and Rupert Murdoch. 'This is not me. This is a fake thing. It's a fake Wall Street Journal story,' Trump told the WSJ. 'I never wrote a picture in my life. I don't draw pictures of women. It's not my language. It's not my words.' Trump also said he warned the Journal not to publish the story, stating, 'I'm gonna sue The Wall Street Journal just like I sued everyone else.' In another Truth Social post, he criticised editor Emma Tucker, writing, 'The Editor of The Wall Street Journal, Emma Tucker, was told directly by Karoline Leavitt, and by President Trump, that the letter was a FAKE, but Emma Tucker didn't want to hear that.' Leavitt, who is also White House press secretary, doubled down, saying, 'The WSJ refused to show us the letter and conceded they don't even have it in their possession when we asked them to verify the alleged document they're basing their ENTIRE fake story on.' WSJ described the letter as a third-person note written in Trump's voice and ending with the line: 'A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.' US vice presient JD Vance slammed the article as false. 'Forgive my language but this story is complete and utter bulls—,' he wrote on X. 'The WSJ should be ashamed for publishing it.' Trump claims the allegations are part of a broader political plot. He accused the Democrats, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and former FBI director James Comey of being behind a 'Jeffrey Epstein hoax,' and suggested they should be investigated by the FBI. The article was published shortly after prosecutor Maurene Comey — daughter of James Comey and part of the Epstein-Maxwell investigations — was reportedly dismissed from her role. Trump has repeatedly denied any improper links to Epstein and claims he cut ties with the disgraced financier long before Epstein's 2008 conviction. Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in recruiting underage girls.
News18
38 minutes ago
- News18
Important matters listed in Supreme Court on Friday
Agency: Last Updated: Important matters listed before the Supreme Court on Friday, July 18: * SC to hear plea of Lalu Prasad Yadav in land-for-jobs case. *SC to hear plea of music composer Ilaiyaraaja seeking to transfer a copyright dispute. *SC to hear plea seeking intervention to save Kerala nurse on death row in Yemen. *SC to hear plea pertaining to Bhopal Gas Tragedy. PTI PKS AMJ AMJ Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
