Fact Check: "Donald Trump is in the Epstein files"
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that Attorney General Pam Bondi informed President Donald Trump that his name appeared multiple times in the Jeffrey Epstein files during a briefing in May 2025. This information was disclosed as part of a broader review of documents related to Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender and died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges (New York Times, Reuters). The briefing included discussions about various topics, and while Trump's name was mentioned alongside other high-profile individuals, the significance of these references remains unclear (New York Times, CNN).
Trump has a history with Epstein, having known him socially in the 1990s and 2000s. However, he has publicly distanced himself from Epstein, claiming they had a falling-out and describing Epstein as a "creep" (New York Times, The Guardian). Despite this, Trump's name has appeared in previous documents related to the investigation, and the Justice Department has faced scrutiny for not releasing further information about the files (Wall Street Journal, ABC News).
Analysis
The credibility of the claims regarding Trump's name appearing in the Epstein files is supported by multiple reputable sources, including the New York Times, Reuters, and CNN. These outlets reported that Bondi's briefing to Trump was corroborated by several officials familiar with the exchange. However, the White House has labeled some reports as "fake news," particularly regarding the implications of Trump's involvement with Epstein (Reuters, The Hill).
The sources reporting on this matter are generally reliable, with the New York Times and Reuters being well-established news organizations known for their investigative journalism. However, the potential bias from the White House, which has historically downplayed Trump's connections to Epstein, should be considered when evaluating the claims. Trump's own statements about not being informed of his name's appearance in the files further complicate the narrative, as he has denied Bondi's claims in public (New York Times, CNN).
The context of the investigation into Epstein is also crucial. The Justice Department's decision to limit the release of documents related to Epstein has led to speculation and concern among Trump's supporters, who have demanded more transparency (Wall Street Journal, The Guardian). This backdrop of political tension adds layers to the interpretation of Trump's name appearing in the files.
Conclusion
The claim that "Donald Trump is in the Epstein files" is True. Evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Trump was informed by Attorney General Pam Bondi that his name appeared in the Epstein files during a briefing. While the implications of this information remain ambiguous, the fact that his name was mentioned in the context of the investigation is substantiated by reliable reporting.
Sources
- Bondi Told Trump His Name Appeared in Epstein Files - The New York Times
- Attorney General Alerted Trump His Name Appeared in Epstein Files - The New York Times
- Trump was told he is in Epstein files, Wall Street Journal - Reuters
- Bondi briefed Trump that his name was in Epstein files - CNN
- Justice Department Told Trump in May That His Name Is in Epstein Files - Wall Street Journal
- Donald Trump's name reported to feature in DoJ files about Epstein - The Guardian
- Trump was told by Bondi his name appeared multiple times in Epstein files - ABC News
- Pam Bondi told Donald Trump he is named in Jeffrey Epstein files - The Hill