The Justice Department released at least three million pages of documents in the Epstein files Friday morning, which contained more details about correspondence between Jeffrey Epstein and other high-profile individuals such as Elon Musk and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
One email exchange from 2013 showed Musk and Epstein coordinating a time for the tech CEO to visit Little Saint James, Epstein’s island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s unclear if the visit ever materialized.
Another email exchange seemed to reveal Mountbatten-Windsor went by the nickname “The Invisible Man.”
Being named in the Epstein files does not mean a person is accused of wrongdoing, participated in Epstein’s crimes or even knew of them. President Donald Trump, a former friend of Epstein’s, is mentioned in the files but has denied any wrongdoing and never been accused of a crime associated with the disgraced financier.
The new disclosure comes more than a month after the congressionally-mandated deadline for the Justice Department to release the full Epstein files.
Key Points
- Justice Department releases 3 million pages of material in Epstein files
- Deputy AG denies redactions protect Trump
- Names in Epstein files do not imply guilt
- Image appears to show Epstein's close network
- Elon Musk and Epstein emailed about visiting island in 2013
Jeffrey Epstein note released by DOJ claimed Bill Gates had an extramarital affair
06:19 , Brendan Rascius Jeffrey Epstein note released by DOJ claimed Bill Gates had an extramarital affair
Files now contain age verification due to content
05:33 , Mike BediganThe DOJ web page displaying the Epstein files now asks users if they are 18 years or older due to possible depictions of pornography or nudity.
“They include large quantities of commercial pornography and images that were seized from Epstein’s devices, but which he did not take, or that someone around him did not take,” Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said Friday.
Video in new Epstein files release shows prison cell
04:48 , Mike BediganGhislaine Maxwell's booking form released as part of file dump
04:02 , Mike Bedigan Ghislaine Maxwell claims 25 accomplices of Jeffrey Epstein reached ‘secret settlements’
03:18 , Mike BediganGhislaine Maxwell claimed in court documents that 25 male associates of Jeffrey Epstein made “secret settlements” to avoid prosecution.
The explosive allegation appeared in a December 17 habeas corpus petition submitted by Maxwell’s attorneys seeking to overturn her criminal conviction. The full petition was published online by Courthouse News Service, a news organization that covers litigation.
Brendan Rascius has the full story:
Ghislaine Maxwell claims 25 accomplices of Epstein reached ‘secret settlements’
Watch: Deputy AG says DOJ did not protect Trump as they release more redacted Epstein files
02:46 , Mike BediganTrump's name appears over 3,000 times in new file release
02:00 , Mike BediganDonald Trump’s name name appears in the latest release more than 3,000 times, according to analysis from The Independent – using the search function on the DOJ website.
It comes despite Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche insisting that there was no new evidence that would “satisfy” people – indirectly referring to conspiracies about the president.
“I can assure that we complied with the statute, we complied with the act and we did not protect President Trump,” Blanche said during a press conference Friday morning.
Image appears to show Epstein's close network
01:30 , Mike BediganOne image included in the millions of documents shared Friday included a diagram created by federal authorities appearing to show Jeffrey Epstein’s inner circle.
The document features photos and names of a number of well-known people close to the pedophile financier, including Ghislaine Maxwell, his lawyer Darren Indyke, his accountant Richard Kahn and his longtime assistant Lesley Groff among others.
The names and faces of several other people, labelled as “employee” or “girlfriend,” were redacted.
Lawmakers request meeting with DOJ over unredacted files
01:00 , Mike BediganBipartisan lawmakers have requested a meeting with DOJ officials to discuss the thousands of redacted files in the latest release of Epstein documents.
In a letter to Todd Blanche, seen by The New York Times, Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna raised concerns over “regarding the scope and consistency of redactions.”
“Congress cannot properly assess the Department’s handling of the Epstein and Maxwell cases without access to the complete record,” the representatives wrote.
Epstein survivors release statement condemning 'incomplete' file release
00:30 , Mike BediganSurvivors of Jeffrey Epstein Survivors have issued a joint statement condemning the incomplete release of the files.
“Once again, survivors are having their names and identifying information exposed, while the men who abused us remain hidden and protected. That is outrageous,” the statement, released Friday, said.
“As survivors, we should never be the ones named, scrutinized, and retraumatized while Epstein’s enablers continue to benefit from secrecy. This is a betrayal of the very people this process is supposed to serve.
“The Justice Department cannot claim it is finished releasing files until every legally required document is released and every abuser and enabler is fully exposed.”
The survivors demanded to hear from Attorney general Pam Bondi, who is scheduled to appear before the House Judiciary Committee on February 11.
“Survivors deserve answers, and the public deserves the truth,” the statement added.
“This is not over. We will not stop until the truth is fully revealed and every perpetrator is finally held accountable. As we have always said, this is not about politics. We hope Democrats and Republicans will stand with survivors in continuing to demand the full release of the Epstein files.”
US Commerce Secretary and family visited Epstein's island in 2012, documents suggest
00:00 , Mike BediganHoward Lutnick and his family took a trip to Jeffrey Epstein’s private island in 2012, according to the latest release of documents.
Exchanges between Lutnick’s wife, Allison Lutnick, and Epstein’s secretary suggest that the Lutnicks and another family including eight children visited the island for lunch in late December 2012.
Last year Lutnick claimed that he and his wife had been so “revolted” by Epstein around 2005 that they had come to the decision to “never be in a room with that disgusting person ever again”.
When asked about the alleged 2012 trip, a Commerce spokesperson said: "This is nothing more than a failing attempt by the legacy media to distract from the administration’s accomplishments including securing Trillions of dollars in investment, delivering historic trade deals, and fighting for the American worker.
“Secretary Lutnick had limited interactions with Mr. Epstein in the presence of his wife and has never been accused of wrongdoing."
Being mentioned in the Epstein files does not mean a person is accused of wrongdoing.
Video in new Epstein files release shows prison cell
23:30 , Mike BediganAndrew invited Epstein to Buckingham Palace and emailed him about ‘beautiful girl’, files show
23:00 , Mike BediganGhislaine Maxwell emailed an address signed “A” – believed to be Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor – calling him “sweet pea”, according to the latest batch of Epstein files.
The email is one of more than 3 million documents published by the US Department of Justice on Friday relating to disgraced paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Read the full story from Rebecca Whittaker here:
Epstein files reveal Ghislaine Maxwell emailed ‘Sweet Pea’, believed to be Andrew
Epstein invited Woody Allen for a 'White House trip' messages show
22:27 , Mike BediganText messages in the latest batch of files show a 2015 text message exchange between Jeffrey Epstein and Woody Allen, in which the financier invites the filmmaker to a “day museum White house trip.”
Allen replies, "With my rap sheet I'll never get past security."
It is unclear if Epstein had meant a visit to meet someone at the White House, which at the time was under the Obama administration, or a tourist trip.
Being mentioned in the Epstein files does not mean a person is accused of wrongdoing. Allen has not been charged with any crimes associated with Epstein.
Former Obama advisor described Epstein as like an 'older brother'
21:55 , Mike BediganKathryn Ruemmler, a former counsel to president Barack Obama, described Jeffrey Epstein as “like having another older brother,” according to text exchanges with the financier’s assistant.
“He considers you a very good friend. That is all he wants,” Lesley Groff wrote to Ruemmler in the 2015 exchange, shared as part of the latest document dump Friday.
“Well, I adore him. It's like having another older brother!” Ruemmler replied.
Ruemmler told The Wall Street Journal in 2023: “I regret ever knowing Jeffrey Epstein.”
Ruemmler served as counsel to Obama from 2011 to 2014.
Watch: Deputy AG says DOJ did not protect Trump as they release more redacted Epstein files
21:28 , Mike BediganSchumer has questions for Bondi over latest file release
21:05 , Mike BediganSenate minority leader Chuck Schumer says he has questions for Attorney General Pam Bondi following the latest Epstein files release.
“42 days, and counting, after violating the law by failing to release all the Epstein files, Trump’s DOJ has released millions more pages,” Schumer wrote on X.
“I’m reviewing the files, and I’ve got some questions for AG Bondi:
1. You say all the documents are released. Does that include ALL of the co-conspirator memos, the corporate protection memos, the original Palm Beach Police Department reports, etc.?
2. Has all the relevant information been released on each of the 10 alleged Epstein co-conspirators?
3. Your numbers keep changing. You say you collected 6 million pages but you’re only releasing 3 million. What’s in the 3 million that are missing?
4. Has every document that mentions the word Trump been released?
42 days, and counting, after violating the law by failing to release all the Epstein files, Trump’s DOJ has released millions more pages. I’m reviewing the files, and I’ve got some questions for AG Bondi:
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 30, 2026
1. You say all the documents are released. Does that include ALL of the…
DOJ says documents include 'untrue and sensationalist claims' about Trump
20:45 , Mike BediganIn a press release accompanying Friday’s file release, the DOJ warned that the tranche contained “untrue and sensationalist claims” about Donald Trump.
“This production may include fake or falsely submitted images, documents or videos, as everything that was sent to the FBI by the public was included in the production that is responsive to the Act,” the department wrote.
“Some of the documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election.
“To be clear, the claims are unfounded and false, and if they have a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already.”
Epstein sent £10,000 to Mandelson’s husband after his release from prison, files reveal
20:30 , Rebecca WhittakerJeffrey Epstein sent £10,000 to Lord Mandelson’s husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, according to a tranche of newly released documents.
An exchange of emails published by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) reveals that Mandelson’s husband asked Epstein for money to fund an osteopathy course and other related expenses in September 2009, around two months after the billionaire paedophile was released from prison.
Read more here:
Epstein sent £10k to Mandelson’s husband after his release from prison, files reveal
Emails may indicate Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had a nickname
20:00 , Ariana BaioEmails released by the DOJ appear to show exchanges between Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, and Ghislaine Maxwell.
The email address, believed to be associated with Mountbatten-Windsor, goes by the alias “The Invisible Man.”
Elon Musk and Epstein emailed about visiting island in 2013
19:35 , Ariana BaioIn a 2013 email exchange between Elon Musk and Epstein, the two went back and forth about scheduling a time in January for Musk to visit Little St. James in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In the document, Musk wrote to Epstein on Christmas Day in 2013: “Actually, I could fly back early on the 3rd. We will be in St Bart's. When should we head to your island on the 2nd?”
Epstein responds, “I need to fly back to LA on the night of the 2nd, so the 2 or 3 would be perfect. I will come and get you.”
Lesly Groff, who worked as an executive assistant for Epstein, ultimately asked Epstein if they needed to “organize” for Musk’s visit.
It is not clear whether Musk ultimately visited the island.
Being mentioned in the Epstein files does not mean a person is accused of wrongdoing. Musk has never been formally accused of any crime associated with Epstein.
The Independent has reached out to Musk for comment.
Image appears to show Epstein's close network
18:57 , Mike BediganOne image included in the millions of documents shared Friday included a diagram created by federal authorities appearing to show Jeffrey Epstein’s inner circle.
The document features photos and names of a number of well-known people close to the pedophile financier, including Ghislaine Maxwell, his lawyer Darren Indyke, his accountant Richard Kahn and his longtime assistant Lesley Groff among others.
The names and faces of several other people, labelled as “employee” or “girlfriend,” were redacted.
Full story: Epstein files reveal Ghislaine Maxwell emailed ‘Sweet Pea’, believed to be Andrew
18:51 , Mike BediganGhislaine Maxwell emailed an address signed “A” - believed to be Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor - calling him “sweet pea”, according to the latest batch of Epstein files.
The email is one of more than three million documents published by the US Department of Justice on Friday relating to disgraced paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Read the full story here from Rebecca Whittaker:
Epstein files reveal Ghislaine Maxwell emailed ‘Sweet Pea’, believed to be Andrew
New photos of Maxwell, Epstein and his cell included in file release
18:46 , Mike Bedigan Guest list for 'last minute casual dinner' for British royal revealed in files
18:41 , Daniel KeaneThe "guest list" for a "very last minute casual dinner" for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor when he stayed with Jeffrey Epstein in New York in December 2010 has been revealed in an email exchange.
In his 2019 Newsnight interview, Andrew said he went to New York to end his friendship with Epstein, two years after the financier pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution, and added that he had no further contact with him after the visit.
An email from publicist Peggy Siegal to George Stephanopoulos sent on December 1 2010 said: "George: do not think less of me but I am putting together a very last minute casual dinner for Prince Andrew, who is in New York on an unofficial private visit.
"Please come and bring AR. The list for far...and we are keeping this private and small...
"Prince Andrew, Woody Allen and Soon-Yi, Katie Couric.... Jeffrey Epstein, where Andrew is staying.
"Jeffrey's house is one of the largest single dwellings in New York... it's beautiful. So come to (redacted) for a very interesting, fast, fun dinner. xoxo Peggy."
Some files in new batch completely redacted
18:36 , Mike BediganAmong the millions of new files released by the Justice Department, lots of which contained more information and images.
Some however, offer less, including pages that contained full redactions...
Blanche says specific 'men' who abused women will not be uncovered in files
18:26 , Mike BediganDeputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said that the DOJ did not know specific names or identities of men who may have abused young women, and that such information was unlikely to be uncovered in the newly released files.
“I do not whether there are men out there that abused these women,” Blanche told reporters Friday.
“If we learn about information and evidence that allows us to prosecute them, you better believe we will.
“But I don't think the public is going to undercover men within the Epstein files that abused women. Unfortunately."
More than 500 attorneys and reviewers from DOJ worked on file release
18:21 , Mike BediganMore than 500 attorneys and reviewers from the Department of Justice contributed to the effort to release the sprawling tranche of documents and files, according to the department.
In addition, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York employed an additional review protocol “to ensure compliance with a Court order requiring United States Attorney Jay Clayton to certify that no victim identifying information would be produced unredacted as part of the public production.”
Maxwell emailed 'Sweet Pea' in Epstein files, believed to be Andrew
18:15 , Daniel KeaneDisgraced socialite Ghislaine Maxwell sent an email to an address linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor with her condolences one day after the Queen Mother's death in 2002, newly released documents show.
The email, addressed to "The Invisible Man" and sent on March 31, 2002, refers to him as "sweat pea", adding: "Sorry you had to rush home, and also under such sad circumstances.
“However much the passing was to be expected in one so old, it does not make it any less sad.
"She was wonderful, and I am happy that I managed to meet her and speak with her. We shall reschedule. Love you. Gx".
Watch: Deputy AG says DOJ did not protect Trump as they release more redacted Epstein files
18:11 , Mike BediganTrump's name appears over 3,000 times in new file release
18:06 , Mike BediganDonald Trump’s name name appears in the latest release more than 3,000 times, according to analysis from The Independent – using the search function on the DOJ website.
It comes despite Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche insisting that there was no new evidence that would “satisfy” people – indirectly referring to conspiracies about the president.
“I can assure that we complied with the statute, we complied with the act and we did not protect President Trump,” Blanche said during a press conference Friday morning.
Ro Khanna says he will review whether the 'appropriate' documents have been released
18:30 , Mike BediganThe survivors want a transparent release. If there's no coverup this release should have the 302 statements and prosecution memos to show who these rich and powerful men were. pic.twitter.com/ZgjrHEKO3z
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) January 30, 2026
Files now contain age verification due to content
17:58 , Mike BediganThe DOJ web page displaying the Epstein files now asks users if they are 18 years or older due to possible depictions of pornography or nudity.
“They include large quantities of commercial pornography and images that were seized from Epstein’s devices, but which he did not take, or that someone around him did not take,” Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said Friday.
Most documents appear to be messages
17:53 , Ariana BaioAfter an initial look through the millions of pages of documents, it appears that most of the documents are messages between Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and various people.
Much of the back-and-forth is about flights, travel and booking upcoming vacations. Several emails indicate Maxwell was arranging for Epstein’s guests to join him on certain vacations, though their names are redacted.
Trump mentioned in new batch of files
17:39 , Ariana BaioAs expected, President Donald Trump is mentioned in the files, but mostly in an informational capacity – such as a print-out of his Wikipedia page from 2022.
Trump and Epstein were friends but the president has maintained no wrongdoing and said he was not aware of Epstein’s crimes. Trump has said he stopped being friends with Epstein in the mid 2000s.
New photos show Epstein's cell
17:10 , Ariana Baio Documents contain articles about Epstein with annotations
17:02 , Ariana BaioAmong the millions of documents released Friday, a batch appears to be articles, written about Epstein over the years, that contain annotations.
That includes a 2003 Vanity Fair article, a 2002 New York magazine article, a 2003 New York Post article, and a 2007 Palm Beach Post article.
The Palm Beach Post article is printed and includes an annotation, “Pls place in Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal file wch your office is still investigating. Thank you”
It is unclear who wrote the annotation.
Several short New York Post articles also reference Ghislaine Maxwell’s life as a socialite.
Names in Epstein files do not imply guilt
16:53 , Ariana BaioAlthough notable people may be named or featured in photographs in the Epstein files, their presence alone does not mean they are accused of wrongdoing or even knew of Epstein’s crimes.
Epstein, once a wealthy financier, was well-connected to celebrities, powerful businessmen and world leaders.
Prosecutors collected all photos and documents that they could during investigations, meaning those who knew Epstein, but played no role in his crimes, or perhaps did not even know about it, can be mentioned.
What information can be redacted in the Epstein files?
16:45 , Ariana BaioWhen Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, lawmakers allowed for several pieces of information to be redacted in order to protect victims and future prosecutions.
The following is information that may be redacted:
- Personally identifiable information of victims
- Personal and medical files related to a victim
- Any depiction of child sexual abuse material or child pornography
- Anything that could jeopardize an active federal investigation
- Imagery, documents or videos that depict or contain images of death, physical abuse or injury
- Documents protected under other privileges, including deliberative process privilege, work product privilege, and attorney-client privilege
Catch up on the last Epstein files drop
16:40 , Ariana BaioThe Department of Justice published thousands of documents in another batch of files from investigations into Jeffrey Epstein in December.
Read more about that here:
Trump flew on Epstein’s plane ‘many more times,’ DOJ files claim in latest release
Deputy AG denies redactions protect Trump
16:31 , Ariana BaioDeputy Attorney General Todd Blanche denied allegations that federal prosecutors had redacted information in the Epstein files that may be related to President Donald Trump.
“I can assure that we complied with the statute, we complied with the act and we did not protect President Trump,” Blanche told reporters Friday morning.
“I think... There is a hunger, or there is a thirst for information that will not be satisfied by the review of these documents,” Blanche added.
Justice Department releases 3 million pages of material
16:25 , Ariana BaioThe Justice Department released three million pages of documents in the Epstein files Friday morning, including 2,000 videos and 180,000 images.
Before Friday’s drop, DOJ officials said they had released less than 1 percent of materials.
Some of the newly released files are heavily redacted
02:14 , Brendan RasciusSome of the files released on Friday include heavy redactions — as did those previously released by the Department of Justice.
For example, one 7-page document is completely blacked out.
Following the release of the files, a bipartisan group of lawmakers requested a meeting with DOJ officials to discuss the redactions.
Jeffrey Epstein note released by DOJ claimed Bill Gates had an extramarital affair
01:57 , Brendan RasciusJeffrey Epstein once claimed that Bill Gates — the billionaire businessman and philanthropist — engaged in extramarital sex, according to an email released by the Department of Justice on Friday.
Epstein made this claim in a 225-word email he sent to himself on July 18, 2013, with the subject line: “bill.”
A spokesperson for Gates vehemently denied the allegations made in the note.
“These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false,” the spokesperson told The Independent. “The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein’s frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame.”
Brendan Rascius reports...
Jeffrey Epstein note released by DOJ claimed Bill Gates had an extramarital affair
Jeffrey Epstein note released by DOJ claimed Bill Gates had an extramarital affair
01:58 , Brendan RasciusJeffrey Epstein once claimed that Bill Gates — the billionaire businessman and philanthropist — engaged in extramarital sex, according to an email released by the Department of Justice on Friday.
Epstein made this claim in a 225-word email he sent to himself on July 18, 2013, with the subject line: “bill.”
A spokesperson for Gates vehemently denied the allegations made in the note.
“These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false,” the spokesperson told The Independent. “The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein’s frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame.”
Brendan Rascius reports...
Jeffrey Epstein note released by DOJ claimed Bill Gates had an extramarital affair
Jeffrey Epstein note released by DOJ claimed Bill Gates had an extramarital affair
02:02 , Brendan RasciusJeffrey Epstein once claimed that Bill Gates — the billionaire businessman and philanthropist — engaged in extramarital sex, according to an email released by the Department of Justice on Friday.
Epstein made this claim in a 225-word email he sent to himself on July 18, 2013, with the subject line: “bill.”
A spokesperson for Gates vehemently denied the allegations made in the note.
“These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false,” the spokesperson told The Independent. “The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein’s frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame.”
Brendan Rascius reports...
Jeffrey Epstein note released by DOJ claimed Bill Gates had an extramarital affair