Decoding Epstein

A Healthy Skeptic’s Guide to the Epstein Saga (Updated November 2025)

Dear Readers of The Gaslight Gazette,

This post brings together my full body of reporting and analysis on the Jeffrey Epstein case. It will be updated regularly as new details emerge. For clarity, the entries are arranged in chronological order, with the most recent updates appearing at the end.

Decoding Epstein (July 2025)

In July 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released an unsigned memo concluding there was "no incriminating client list," "no credible evidence of blackmail," and nothing that could "predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties" in the Jeffrey Epstein case. In short, the Trump administration signaled it would not be disclosing new information or pursuing further accountability.

The backlash was swift—and unusually bipartisan. While critics like Senator Ron Wyden; Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Epstein’s brother, Mark Epstein; Trump’s former U.N. ambassador, Trump’s former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, with whom he has had a fraught relationship; and CNN anchor Jake Tapper were expected, condemnation also came from Trump allies including Elon Musk, Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rep. Lauren Boebert, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and even Alex Jones—who reportedly vomited and cried upon hearing the news. Similarly, his supporters condemned Trump’s decision on Truth Social, ratioing the President on his own platform for the first time—a term used when replies or quote posts far outnumber likes, signaling overwhelming disapproval.

In response to these criticisms, Trump wrote to supporters urging them not to “waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein.” He later posted that the Democrats’ “new SCAM is what we will forever call the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax, and my PAST supporters have bought into this ‘bullshit,’ hook, line, and sinker.” Some, like Ben Shapiro and Charlie Kirk, chose to fall in line, urging their audiences to 'trust Trump' rather than press the Epstein issue. But they seem to be the exception. MAGA backlash over the handling of the Epstein files continues to dominate social media and the podcast sphere and split Trump’s coalition in the process.

For those unfamiliar with the Epstein saga, it might sound like just another internet conspiracy. And to be fair, plenty of wild, baseless claims have circulated. But beneath the noise lies a disturbing reality: Epstein had ties to some of the wealthiest and most powerful people in the world. This story matters—not just because of what it reveals about elite networks, but because it helped shape the political identities of many, especially in online spaces.

MAGA supporters—and many leftists skeptical of elite power—have built their political identities around what they see as the corruption, double standards, and crimes tied to the Epstein saga. So when the case seemingly closed with a memo that raised more questions than answers, it triggered a political earthquake that’s already underway. Sensing the rift, Rep. Ro Khanna tried to channel MAGA outrage by voting to release the files. He was voted down in committee by all but one Republican.

This essay offers a clear, grounded introduction for those who haven’t followed the story closely, and examines how the federal government’s handling of the case—especially under Trump 2.0—has fueled outrage and suspicion that is worthy of healthy skepticism.

The Rise of Epstein’s Empire

Epstein’s path to cultivating relationships with powerful people began in the 1970s, when he was hired to be a teacher at the prestigious Dalton School by Donald Barr, the father of Trump’s Attorney General Bill Barr. There Epstein began cultivating relationships that would lead to a career advising billionaires, starting at Bear Stearns (which he left shortly before an insider trading investigation in 1981). Reports indicate that he would end up living in one of the most expensive homes in Manhattan, purchased by Les Wexner the founder of L Brands, the parent company of Victoria's Secret, who seemingly purchased the home, never moved in, and then transferred ownership to his financial adviser Epstein. In the coming decades, Epstein would interact with powerful figures like David Blaine, Bill Gates, Chris Rock, Woody Allen, Jes Staley, Peter Thiel, Noam Chomsky, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Steve Bannon, and Bill Clinton (Click here for a more comprehensive list of Epstein’s contacts).

It is not known how Epstein, who was worth a reported $560 million upon his death in 2019, made his money, but he was able to keep the home in Manhattan, have another in Florida, and purchase an island in the U.S. Virgin Islands where he would bring wealthy guests, some of whom were accused of engaging in sexual relations with girls that Epstein had sex trafficked to the island.

Such accusations began in 2005, when Palm Beach police began investigating Epstein after the family of a 15-year-old girl alleged she—and many others—had been sexually abused at his mansion. Despite multiple accusers, a grand jury indicted Epstein on just one charge: soliciting prostitution. Outrage over the lenient charge led to a federal investigation.

Behind closed doors, U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta struck a secret plea deal: Epstein pleaded guilty to two minor charges, served 18 months (mostly on work release), and registered as a sex offender—avoiding far more serious federal charges.

Legal Entanglements and Death

Over the next decade, dozens more women came forward. Virginia Giuffre alleged that Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell arranged sexual encounters between her and powerful men, including Prince Andrew, Duke of York (In 2022, Prince Andrew settled a civil sexual assault case brought against him in the U.S. by Giuffre). In 2018, a Miami Herald investigation reignited public scrutiny, especially of Acosta, who was then Trump’s Secretary of Labor. Epstein was arrested in July 2019; Acosta resigned soon after.

On August 10, 2019, Epstein was found dead in a Manhattan jail cell. Though ruled a suicide, the circumstances were suspicious: he’d recently been removed from suicide watch, his guards falsified records, and security cameras reportedly malfunctioned and recorded unusable footage or were erased.

In 2020, French modeling agent and Epstein associate Jean-Luc Brunel was arrested in Paris on sex trafficking charges. In 2022, he was found hanged in his prison cell in an apparent suicide.

Maxwell was arrested in 2020 and convicted in 2021 for sex trafficking and conspiracy. She received a 20-year sentence in 2022 and appealed in 2024. When she was arrested, Trump commented “Yeah, I wish her well, I’d wish you well. I’d wish a lot of people well. Good luck. Let them prove somebody was guilty.” In the midst of the MAGA civil war over the Epstein Files, CBS reported that the DOJ urged “the Supreme Court to turn away Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal.”

In 2023, a lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase alleged that the bank ignored internal warnings about Epstein’s criminal activity while continuing to profit from its relationship with him. JPMorgan ultimately paid a $290 million settlement. That same year, Deutsche Bank agreed to pay $75 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the bank "knowingly benefited" from Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. Also in 2023, billionaire Leon Black agreed to pay over $60 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands in exchange for protection from current and future lawsuits about his involvement with Epstein and his island.

By late 2023, calls for transparency intensified. Court documents released in 2024 confirmed extensive travel and detailed allegations of widespread abuse. In early 2025, Trump released files related to the Epstein investigation to influencers, but later revoked their access. Finally, in July 2025, a DOJ memo claimed there was no evidence of a “client list,” blackmail, or murder.

Trump’s Conflict of Interest

Part of the reason that the White House’s handling of Epstein warrants healthy skepticism derives from Trump’s conflict of interest. Trump appeared to entertain Epstein-related conspiracy theories while campaigning in 2024. On Lex Fridman’s podcast, he said he had “no problem” releasing the Epstein files, and echoed similar sentiments on Fox News Channel. Fox News edited the clip to hide Trump’s backpedaling on releasing the Epstein files—and it’s unclear whether he’ll sue them for the deceptive editing like he did with CBS.

After taking office, Trump’s tone shifted. In June 2025 on Fox News Channel, he enthusiastically pledged to release the 9/11 and JFK documents, but hesitated on Epstein: “Yeah, yeah I would… I guess I would… You don’t want to affect people’s lives if it’s phony stuff… a lot of phony stuff with that whole world.” After the DOJ closed the Epstein case in July 2025, Trump dismissed the topic altogether, saying, “You’re still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? That is unbelievable…Are people still talking about this guy, this creep?”

This reversal could reflect a shift in judgment based on new evidence—or a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest arises when personal relationships or interests could compromise professional judgment. Even if no misconduct occurs, the possibility warrants skepticism—especially when behavior appears inconsistent with prior commitments.

Trump and Epstein had a well-documented relationship. In a 2017 audio recording, Epstein told journalist Michael Wolff, “I was Donald Trump’s closest friend for 10 years.” Photos show them together frequently; Wolff claimed the government possesses images of them with topless women. In 2002, Trump praised Epstein as “terrific” and noted his fondness for “younger” women.

NBC reported Trump “allegedly flew” on Epstein’s plane. Accuser Sarah Ransome once publicly alleged that both Trump and Clinton were involved in sex trafficking, though she had previously recanted. In 2016, another accuser claimed put the two men together at a party where she alleged that both men raped her in 1994. She dropped the case for unspecified reasons in November of 2016. Wolff also claimed Epstein discussed using compromising evidence on both men to secure his release in 2019.

Trump has cited concern for victims as a reason not to release the Epstein files—despite the fact that redactions could protect their identities. He also claimed that parts of the files were “made up” by former FBI Director James Comey, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden—arguing that releasing them would only help those figures mislead the public. But this raises serious questions: When and how could these individuals have fabricated investigative documents? And if Trump believes there’s a mix of true and false information, why not release everything with a report explaining what’s real and what’s not?

Shifting Stories, Clouded Truths

Another reason to be skeptical of the Trump White House’s handling of the Epstein files is its shifting story and lack of hard evidence. When officials keep rewriting the past to fit the latest spin, it’s not a cue for blind belief—or knee-jerk dismissal—it’s a flashing warning sign to start asking questions.

For years, Epstein critics—including then-Senator and now Vice President J.D. Vance—insisted a client list existed. In 2023, FBI Director Kash Patel affirmed the list's existence. Attorney General Pam Bondi also claimed early in Trump’s second term that the list was “on her desk.” But following the July 2025 DOJ memo, which stated no incriminating “client list” had been found, Bondi walked back her statement, saying she was referring to general Epstein investigation files. Meanwhile, Epstein’s former lawyer Alan Dershowitz publicly claimed a client list does exist and that he knows who’s on it—but can't share names due to “confidentiality.”

These contradictions understandably fuel public suspicion: was there a list that’s now being buried, or was it all political theater? Without full transparency, both theories remain plausible—and both warrant scrutiny.

Similar shifts occurred regarding Epstein’s death. For years, MAGA commentators suggested Epstein was murdered. Bondi and Patel stoked this by promising the release of the Epstein Files. Yet just before the DOJ memo’s release, Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated clearly that Epstein died by suicide.

Further confusion stems from the 10-hour surveillance video Bongino cited as “definitive” proof Epstein wasn’t murdered. The existence of the tape is at odds with reports that the tape either malfunctioned, failed to record, or was accidently erased. Nonetheless, Wired reported the surveillance video footage had been edited and stitched together. Relatedly, a one-minute gap is visible, which Bondi claims the missing time is normal for that camera and promised documentation—but none has surfaced. Journalist Julie K. Brown has also questioned whether the camera shown even faced Epstein’s cell.

Conflicting reports from within the White House, altered evidence, and inter-agency feuds—including claims that Bondi accused Bongino of leaking information and rumors that Bongino resigned from his FBI post over the administration’s handling of the Epstein files—have further muddied the story.

Concealing Evidence: The Gaps That Matter

The evidence provided – and missing – in the Epstein case is another reason to be skeptical of the White House’s claims about the Epstein Files. In the case of Epstein, it’s clear the government is withholding information, as by their own admission: they won’t release certain files to protect victims. That means there are files that exist, and they are being withheld from the public.

There’s strong reason to believe more evidence exists—like camera footage from Epstein’s Manhattan home and private island—but its whereabouts remain a mystery. Whether it was destroyed, buried, or ignored, no official explanation has been given. Insiders say there’s more, too. Senator Wyden, for example, claimed he gave the Trump administration a file full of additional evidence and actionable leads.

Then there is evidence that exists, but goes unaddressed by the memo. For example, former Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta allegedly said in 2017, that he offered Epstein a lenient plea deal because he was told Epstein “belonged to intelligence” and to back off. This, coupled with Epstein’s connections and shadowy past, has fueled long-standing speculation that Epstein ran a blackmail operation linked to global intelligence services—claims which often cite Ghislaine Maxwell’s father, Robert Maxwell, who was believed by some to have ties to Israeli intelligence. “Israel Gives Maxwell Farewell Fit For Hero” is how The Washington Post described Robert’s 1991 funeral. Nonetheless, the intelligence connection is highly disputed as is the claim that Israeli intelligence killed Maxwell.

While the idea that Epstein was an Israeli asset remains speculative, it hasn’t gone away. After the DOJ memo, Tucker Carlson repeated the theory publicly. Acosta, notably, has never clarified or denied the intelligence-related claims attributed to him.

Unexplained gaps, contradictions, and silence from key players are legitimate reasons for public scrutiny. They are certainly a reason to suspend judgement, ask questions, and demand answers from those in power.

Conclusion: Skepticism Without Surrender

Healthy skepticism is not only appropriate—it’s necessary when examining how the Epstein saga has been handled. Shifting narratives, withheld evidence, and conflicts of interest across powerful institutions all justify public doubt. Dismissing legitimate questions as mere “conspiracy theories” is just as harmful as blindly believing baseless ones. Instead of shutting down inquiry, we should be demanding answers and pressuring those in power to tell the truth. The Epstein case offers more than enough reason to question official accounts—and insisting on transparency is not paranoia; it’s a democratic responsibility

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The Press Was Dying—Then Trump and Epstein Gave It a Lifeline (Link)

Nolan Higdon Jul 30, 2025

he White House’s refusal to release the full Jeffrey Epstein files may have accidentally sparked a journalistic revival. After decades of corporate consolidation and credibility crises—from the Iraq War lies to the biased 2016 election coverage—the press seems poised for a comeback. For the first time in years, mainstream outlets are acting like watchdogs again.

The 1940s-1980s are often hailed as the “golden age of journalism”—a time when reporters exposed the Vietnam War lies and brought down a corrupt president. But the 1980s corporate monopolies and partisan punditry came to define the industry. At the same time, trust in media was shattered for many in my generation during the lead-up to the 2003 Iraq War, when media uncritically repeated government lies about weapons of mass destruction. Shockingly, many of those responsible for spreading misinformation stayed in media—or moved seamlessly from government roles into newsroom positions.

Over the last decade, especially since Trump’s 2015 campaign, the press has been under constant attack as “fake news.” But those attacks landed because people already distrusted the media—thanks to episodes like the erasure of Bernie Sanders in 2016, COVID-19 coverage that often reflected political bias, the hyperbolic Russiagate narrative, and a refusal to scrutinize Biden’s cognitive health. Some journalists even called for the end of objectivity after Trump’s 2016 election. By 2020, a few offered half-hearted apologies. But the damage was done.

Now, with Trump back in the spotlight and media trust at record lows, something unexpected is happening. We’re seeing impressive reporting on Trump’s ties to Epstein, including recent revelations in The New York Times, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal. In doing so, the press may be clawing its way back to relevance—and responsibility.

The Epstein story is deeply disturbing: a well-connected trafficker of minors who died under suspicious circumstances in 2019 after previously receiving a sweetheart deal (A detailed account of Epstein’s activities and associations is available here). He’s been linked to intelligence agencies, blackmail schemes, and elite networks that span politics, tech, and entertainment.

Trump once leaned into conspiracy theories around Epstein and promised to expose them—but when his administration declared “nothing to see here,” even his supporters were skeptical. Previously, the press—despite its constitutional protections—had often failed the public when it came to Epstein. Vanity Fair cut allegations of underage girls from a 2003 profile. ABC was accused by one of its reporters of burying a 2015 interview with an Epstein accuser—an allegation the network denies. The New York Times reportedly accepted gifts from Epstein and failed to report on his interest in minors. Journalist Alan Macleod noted that outlets like HuffPost, Forbes, National Review, and even The New York Times ran puff pieces on Epstein well after serious allegations were public.

But now, things are different. We’ve seen credible, damning coverage of Trump’s close relationship with Epstein:

• A Wall Street Journal story revealed a grotesque birthday message Trump sent Epstein.

• A former Epstein girlfriend confirmed Trump and Epstein’s close friendship to CNN.

• The New York Times reported that Trump invited only Epstein to a 1993 Mar-a-Lago event—and called him “the greatest.”

• According to The New York Times, Epstein accusers told the FBI in 1996 and 2006 that Trump was involved in sex crimes.

• According to The New York Times, Trump was notified in May 2025 that his name appeared in the files—prompting his administration to quickly downplay their importance.

• CNN aired photos and videos of the two together. When asked about them, Trump hung up after 30 seconds.

Trump isn’t the only high-profile figure linked to Epstein. The financier’s web reportedly included Prince Andrew, Bill Gates, Woody Allen, Jes Staley, Elon Musk, and even Noam Chomsky. JPMorgan Chase paid a $290 million settlement after profiting from Epstein-related dealings, despite internal warnings. The Wall Street Journal also revealed a warm birthday message from Bill Clinton to Epstein.

Coverage remains uneven. Media Matters found that Fox News, for instance, mentioned Obama 445 times compared to just 127 mentions of Epstein between July 18 and 23, 2025—choosing partisan distractions over accountability. In contrast, CNN (1,400 mentions) and MSNBC (1,886 mentions) outpaced even Newsmax (707) in Epstein reporting.

Legacy outlets aren’t doing this alone. Independent voices—podcasters, bloggers, and social media sleuths—kept the Epstein story alive for years while corporate media dismissed it as conspiracy. Journalists like Julie K. Brown gave the topic the attention it deserved. Thanks to the rise of independent media, Brown’s work reached a national audience. Now, the mainstream is finally catching up, thanks in large part to the persistence of alternative media.

Whether we are truly entering a new golden age of journalism remains to be seen. But the moment is ripe: audiences are fragmented and skeptical, partisan coverage is wearing thin, and a former president is again behaving like he has something to hide. The press has a choice: rise to the occasion, or sink into irrelevance as “fake news” becomes prophecy.

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Epstein Files: Censorship and Secrecy in Government

Excerpt from Lies of the Land Trump, Israel, and the Media’s Double Standards Nolan Higdon Aug 05, 2025 (Link)

Censorship in the U.S. stems from many sources and institutions. The Epstein files have dominated headlines for the past month, driven by public demand fueled by intrigue, political bias, and conspiracy theories about intelligence agencies using sexual blackmail. Scholars warn that government secrecy breeds conspiracy, undermining democracy, which depends on transparency.

Yet the Trump White House has resisted delivering on their campaign promise to release these files. Trump and his congressional allies have used multiple tactics to censor the story: withholding the Treasury Department’s Epstein files, having the FBI redact Trump-related content, Congress starting August recess early to avoid voting on the matter, dismissing the files as “boring”, attacking those demanding transparency as “weaklings”, cutting off reporters who ask tough questions, and falsely equating interviews with convicted criminal Ghislaine Maxwell to objective testimony.

The motives behind Trump’s censorship remain unclear, but the fact is undeniable: the Epstein files are being deliberately withheld from the public.

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The Epstein Files: Bombshells, Backpedals, and Broken Lies

An excerpt from Truth Under Attack CBS, Weiss, Lorenz, and RFK Jr. in the Age of Spin Nolan Higdon Sep 16, 2025 (Link)

The ghost of Jeffrey Epstein continues to haunt Trump and his allies. In early September, Senate Republicans—except Rand Paul and Josh Hawley—blocked a Democratic measure to release Epstein’s files. The House is now just one vote away from forcing their publication.

Still, pieces are trickling out. The House Oversight Committee released Epstein’s “birthday book,” a disturbing collection of notes, drawings, and greetings from high-profile figures including Trump, former President Bill Clinton, and former British diplomat Peter Mandelson. One particularly damning note allegedly shows Trump sending Epstein a birthday card adorned with a drawing of a prepubescent girl and references to a shared “secret.”

Trump has denied the letter’s authenticity, referring to it as part of the Epstein “hoax,” and even suing Wall Street Journal for referencing the letter in an article last month.

Others were less dismissive. For example, following the release the United Kingdom swiftly removed Mandelson as ambassador to the U.S. over his ties to Epstein. Meanwhile, survivors are compiling their own list of names as the government dithers over what to release.

The mental gymnastics to defend Trump are dizzying. House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed that Trump was an FBI informant who helped expose Epstein. Presidents serving as intelligence sources isn’t unprecedented—Ronald Reagan reportedly did so, and George H.W. Bush once led the CIA, while rumors have long circulated that Bill Clinton worked with intelligence during his time as Arkansas governor. Still, Johnson’s claim was so outlandish he later had to walk it back. Was his initial statement a lie, or was the retraction the lie? Either way, the truth is buried under a mountain of spin.

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The Shocking Rise of Censorship in America

Excerpt from Authoritarianism by a Thousand Cuts Power, Fear, and the Death of Dissent? Nolan Higdon Oct 14, 2025 (Link)

This pattern of controlling information and suppressing scrutiny continued with the Epstein case, where leaked materials and political maneuvering revealed attempts to manage public perception. The Epstein case resurfaced in Summer 2025, as leaked materials—including birthday cards and images with Trump—continued to emerge. Reporting from Krystal Ball of Breaking Points suggested that the leaks stopped once Epstein associate and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell began cooperating with the government—implying they may have been intended to secure her a pardon. Meanwhile, congress attempted to block the release of Epstein files by taking summer recess early. Following the September 2025 election in Arizona, in which Democrat Adelita Grijalva was elected to the House of Representatives, enough votes exist to pass a bipartisan bill releasing the files. Yet House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to seat Grijalva, effectively continuing censorship of the public’s access to these documents.

Meanwhile, Drop Site News reported that prior to this death, Epstein acted as a broker for Israel in securing an international security agreement. CBS separately found that both the original investigation into Epstein’s death and the Trump administration’s 2025 report were deeply flawed, with significant evidence undermining their conclusions. Together, these findings lend weight to claims from Ghislaine Maxwell and Epstein’s brother that Jeffrey did not commit suicide—and underscore the urgent need for greater transparency.

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