Epstein files release breeds more conspiracy theories, even less trust : NPR

Epstein files release breeds more conspiracy theories, even less trust : NPR

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Key Points:

  • President Trump promised to release Jeffrey Epstein files during the 2024 election, but the Justice Department has failed to fully meet the legal deadline for disclosure, fueling new conspiracy theories and criticism from both supporters and opponents.
  • Approximately 40,000 pages of heavily redacted documents have been released, including unvetted public tips and old complaints, but potentially over a million files and terabytes of data remain unreleased, with the DOJ citing the need for careful review and victim protection.
  • The Epstein Files Transparency Act mandates the release of unclassified records but lacks enforcement mechanisms and funding, making it unusual compared to other federal disclosures like the JFK assassination files or 9/11 documents.
  • Released files reveal communications involving Epstein and influential figures, including frequent