Fact Check: "The Epstein client list never existed according to the US Department of Justice"
What We Know
Recent investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have concluded that there is no evidence of a so-called "client list" associated with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. According to a memo released in July 2025, the DoJ and FBI stated that their exhaustive review found "no credible evidence" that Epstein maintained a list of clients who could be implicated in his sex trafficking activities (FBI Memo, July 2025, US justice department finds no Jeffrey Epstein 'client list'). This conclusion contradicts long-standing conspiracy theories suggesting that Epstein had a list of high-profile individuals involved in his crimes.
The memo also reiterated that Epstein's death was ruled a suicide, further dispelling theories that he was murdered to prevent him from revealing information about powerful associates (DOJ releases memo on sex offender Jeffrey Epstein files, Justice department says no 'client list' exists in Epstein sex case).
Analysis
The findings from the DoJ and FBI are based on a comprehensive investigation into Epstein's activities and the associated documentation. The credibility of these sources is bolstered by the fact that they come from official government agencies tasked with law enforcement and public safety. The memo clearly states that investigators did not uncover any evidence that could lead to further investigations against uncharged third parties (Epstein 'client list' doesn't exist, Justice Department says, DOJ, FBI review finds no Jeffrey Epstein 'client list').
However, the release of this memo has been met with skepticism from some quarters, particularly among those who believe in conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein's case. Critics argue that the DoJ's findings contradict earlier statements made by officials, such as former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who implied that a client list might exist (Justice department says no 'client list' exists in Epstein sex case, Epstein client list doesn't exist, DOJ says, walking back theory Bondi promoted). This discrepancy raises questions about the reliability of the information provided by government officials in the past.
Despite this skepticism, the memo's conclusions are consistent with the findings of the investigation and are supported by the lack of evidence presented. The memo's release serves as a formal repudiation of the theories that have circulated regarding Epstein's connections to various high-profile individuals.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "the Epstein client list never existed according to the US Department of Justice" is accurate. The DoJ and FBI have officially stated that their investigations found no evidence of such a list, and their conclusions are based on a thorough review of available evidence. While there are dissenting opinions and conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein's case, the official findings from credible government sources support the claim.
Sources
- FBI Memo, July 2025
- US justice department finds no Jeffrey Epstein 'client list'
- DOJ releases memo on sex offender Jeffrey Epstein files
- Epstein 'client list' doesn't exist, Justice Department says, walking back theory Bondi promoted
- Justice department says no 'client list' exists in Epstein sex case
- Jeffrey Epstein documents: DOJ, FBI conclude no "client list" exists
- DOJ, FBI review finds no Jeffrey Epstein 'client list'
- Epstein client list doesn't exist, DOJ says, walking back theory Bondi promoted