July 21, 2025 — Two key Washington figures are now under fire over the Epstein files following remarks from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt faced pointed questions from reporters on Monday regarding the Trump administration’s stance on releasing additional documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
During a press briefing, Leavitt deflected responsibility to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), specifically citing Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel when pressed on why President Donald Trump has not ordered the full release of Epstein-related files.
The exchange occurred as a reporter questioned why President Trump, who has previously expressed support for transparency in the Epstein case, had not directed the FBI to declassify and release all relevant documents.
Leavitt responded, “The president has said if the Department of Justice and the FBI want to move forward with releasing any further credible evidence, they should do so.
As to why they have or have not or will, you should ask the FBI about that.”
When a follow-up question specifically asked whether she called on FBI Director Kash Patel to take further action, Leavitt reiterated her deferral to the DOJ and FBI, avoiding direct comment on Patel’s role.
Trending: Another Washington Figure Now Claims Trump is in Epstein’s List
The FBI’s Take on Epstein’s Client List
The Epstein case has remained a lightning rod for public and political scrutiny since the financier’s death in a Manhattan prison in August 2019, officially ruled a suicide.
The DOJ and FBI recently issued a joint memo concluding that no evidence supports claims of a “client list” of powerful individuals blackmailed by Epstein or that his death was a homicide.
This finding has sparked backlash among some of President Trump’s supporters, who have long demanded the release of additional files they believe could implicate prominent figures.
Leavitt’s remarks come amid reported tensions within the Trump administration over the handling of the Epstein files.
Sources indicate that Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have engaged in private discussions regarding the release of still-classified materials, with some describing the exchanges as “tense.”
Bondi previously faced criticism for a failed attempt to share Epstein-related documents with conservative influencers, only to provide already-public information, which drew accusations of a publicity stunt.
The controversy has been further fueled by public statements from figures like Elon Musk, who recently alleged on social media that Trump’s name appears in the Epstein files, a claim Trump has denied, calling it “old news” and emphasizing that he had not been friendly with Epstein for nearly two decades before his death.
The White House has defended its approach, with Leavitt stating that the DOJ’s recent memo and the release of a 10-hour surveillance video from Epstein’s cell—despite a reported one-minute gap—demonstrate a commitment to transparency.
Bondi has explained the missing minute as a routine equipment reset.
Critics, including former Trump administration official Miles Taylor, have raised concerns about the FBI’s reported practice of flagging mentions of Trump in the Epstein files, with Taylor suggesting on MSNBC that such actions “reek of a cover-up,” though he clarified this does not necessarily indicate criminal activity by the president.
Meanwhile, Mark Epstein, Jeffrey Epstein’s brother, has publicly dismissed the DOJ’s suicide ruling, calling FBI Director Patel’s statements “stupid” and insisting that his brother was likely murdered.
The Epstein case continues to stir debate, with some Trump supporters expressing frustration over perceived unfulfilled promises to release incriminating documents.
Social media posts on X reflect this sentiment, with users questioning the administration’s motives and demanding full disclosure.
One post stated, “FBI Dir. Kash Patel cites victim protection.
AG Bondi backtracks.
DOJ says: no client list, suicide confirmed.
Memory hole or cover-up?”
However, these claims remain speculative, as the DOJ’s memo explicitly states that no credible evidence supports the existence of a blackmail list or third-party involvement in Epstein’s death.
As the administration navigates this ongoing controversy, Leavitt’s comments underscore a strategy of redirecting inquiries to the DOJ and FBI, maintaining that any decisions on further releases rest with those agencies.
For now, the Epstein files remain a contentious issue, with no new releases confirmed and public speculation showing no signs of abating.
Also Read: MAGA Now Scrutinize Trump Over Epstein Client List Failure
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