Faisal Salisu DambattaA new batch of files released Friday related to the investigation of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein includes documents referencing numerous high-profile figures.
Among those named are President Donald Trump, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and British billionaire Richard Branson. None of the individuals mentioned has been accused of wrongdoing.
Donald Trump
The documents include an FBI-compiled list of sexual assault allegations linked to President Trump, many originating from anonymous sources and unverified tips. These reports were submitted to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center, which handles information received both by phone and electronically.
The files indicate that investigators followed up on some tips, though several were found to lack credibility. Trump has consistently denied any connection to Epstein’s alleged crimes. The Justice Department noted in a statement that “some of the documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election. To be clear, the claims are unfounded and false.”
Bill Gates
A draft email in the files shows Epstein alleging that Gates had engaged in extramarital affairs. Epstein claimed their interactions included “helping Bill to get drugs, in order to deal with consequences of sex with Russian girls, to facilitating his illicit trysts with married women.”
The Gates Foundation told The New York Times that the allegations of affairs are false.
Richard Branson
The files reveal friendly exchanges between Epstein and Branson. In a September 11, 2013 email, Branson wrote: “It was really nice seeing you yesterday. The boys in Watersports can’t stop speaking about it! Any time you’re in the area would love to see you. As long as you bring your harem!”
A spokesperson for Branson’s company said the meetings occurred “on only a few occasions more than twelve years ago, and were limited to group or business settings.” The spokesperson added, “Richard believes that Epstein’s actions were abhorrent and supports the right to justice for his many victims.”
Elon Musk
The files also include multiple emails between Epstein and Musk. In November 2012, Epstein asked Musk, “how many people will you be for the heli to island?” Musk replied: “Probably just Talulah and me. What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?”
Responding to the release, Musk said on X that he understood some of the correspondence could be misinterpreted. He emphasized that his focus is on ensuring those who committed crimes with Epstein are prosecuted, particularly in cases involving the exploitation of underage girls.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Documents show that the former prince invited Epstein to Buckingham Palace in September 2010 during Epstein’s London trip. Epstein emailed Andrew requesting a time and mentioning the need for “private time.” Andrew replied, suggesting dinner at the palace with privacy.
The files indicate Epstein had previously offered to introduce Andrew to a 26-year-old Russian woman. Andrew expressed willingness to meet her, though there is no indication that the meeting took place.
Howard Lutnick
Emails show Epstein and Lutnick, the current Commerce Secretary under Trump, planned a lunch on Epstein’s Caribbean island in December 2012. Lutnick’s wife asked Epstein’s secretary where they should anchor their boat from St. Thomas.
Steve Tisch
Other emails suggest Epstein connected Steve Tisch, the 76-year-old film producer and co-owner of the New York Giants, with several women. In one exchange, Epstein described a woman as “Russian, and rarely tells the full truth, but fun.”
