1. What new documents did the Justice Department release?
The DOJ released nearly 30,000 additional pages of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Tuesday, after facing criticism for missing Friday’s deadline. The documents include records showing a subpoena sent to Mar-a-Lago in 2021 for any records related to the government’s case against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s co-conspirator, and notes about the number of times President Trump flew on Epstein’s plane.
2. Why did the DOJ emphasize certain claims in the documents were false?
The Justice Department stated on social media that some documents contain “untrue and sensationalist claims” against Mr. Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election. The DOJ characterized these claims as “unfounded and false,” noting they would have been used against Mr. Trump if they had any credibility, but emphasized they were releasing the documents anyway out of commitment to transparency and the law.
3. How much of the newly released material mentions Mr. Trump?
Many of the latest pages were heavily redacted, with Mr. Trump’s name and photos rarely appearing in them. The DOJ noted the documents were released with legally required protections for Epstein’s victims.
SEE ALSO: 30,000 more Epstein files released, a few with Trump’s name
4. What legislation led to these document releases?
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, co-sponsored by Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, mandated the release of these documents. Mr. Trump signed the act into law last month, requiring the government to make the files public.
5. What is Mr. Trump’s stated relationship with Epstein?
Mr. Trump has acknowledged he was friends with Epstein but said the two had a falling out in the early 2000s. Mr. Trump has stated he didn’t know what the late financier was doing and has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein’s criminal activities.
Read more: 30,000 more Epstein files released, a few with Trump’s name
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