Epstein files release: 5 explosive allegations involving Donald Trump from FBI interview
The United States Justice Department has released additional documents from the investigation into financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including records of FBI interviews with a woman who alleged abuse within Epstein’s circle.
The files, dated August 7, 2019, contain statements made by the woman during an FBI interview. Investigators clarified that the document records claims made by the witness and does not represent verified findings or conclusions by the agency.
The release has triggered renewed political debate in the United States, particularly after some lawmakers accused the Justice Department of withholding material connected to the Epstein investigation.
Trump has strongly denied the allegations. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the claims as “completely baseless accusations” and said they were unsupported by credible evidence.
The FBI document outlines several allegations made by the witness during the interview.
Alleged encounter involving Donald Trump
According to the witness, Jeffrey Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump when she was between 13 and 15 years old. She told investigators the meeting took place in either New York or New Jersey inside a large building with “huge rooms.”
The woman alleged that Trump asked others present to leave before an encounter occurred. She claimed she resisted and bit him before others entered the room again. She also said she had two additional interactions with Trump but declined to discuss them in detail during the interview.
Claims of conversations about blackmail
The witness told investigators she overheard discussions between Epstein and Trump related to blackmail. According to her account, Epstein allegedly spoke openly about blackmailing influential people within his network.
She also alleged that Trump discussed financial activities involving casinos. These statements are recorded in the interview report as claims made by the witness and have not been independently verified.
Alleged rivalry between Trump and Epstein
The interview notes that the woman perceived tension between Epstein and Trump. She told investigators she believed Trump sometimes appeared jealous of Epstein, though she later felt they operated as equals within the same social circle.
According to her testimony, the two men allegedly used certain terms when referring to girls, which she recalled hearing during interactions within Epstein’s environment.
Claims of blackmail involving photographs
The woman also alleged that Epstein took Polaroid photographs of her during sexual encounters. She claimed those images were later used to threaten her mother.
According to the testimony, Epstein and an associate identified as “Jim Atkins” allegedly threatened to release the photographs unless money was paid. The witness said the pressure forced her mother to embezzle money from a real estate business in an attempt to recover the photos, which she said eventually led to her mother serving time in prison.
Allegations about Epstein’s broader network
During the interview, the woman claimed she had multiple encounters with Epstein and alleged that other wealthy individuals were sometimes present.
She also told investigators that alcohol and drugs were sometimes supplied at gatherings and alleged that she had been asked to recruit other young girls. The witness further claimed Epstein documented encounters through photographs.
Investigation and responses
The FBI report emphasises that the document summarises statements made during an interview and does not confirm the accuracy of those claims. Authorities have not publicly verified many of the allegations described in the report.
US officials have stated that investigations related to the Epstein network continue, while political debate over the newly released documents remains ongoing.