# The Epstein Files Question **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [July 17, 2025, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997 "2025-07-17T23:21:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 12
**Author:** ![SunUp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SunUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SunUp)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2025, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/221 "2025-09-27T23:13:52Z")
> [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](#): > > And sometimes it changes during one’s lifetime, like when “Leonard Bern-steen” became “Leonard Bern-stine.” I blame R.E.M., for trying to rhyme it with “driftafying” ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/222 "2025-09-28T00:45:13Z")
> [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > There’s basically no way to release everything and not have Trump look like he was knowingly best buds with a pedo, since we know that material does exist that it would have to do just exactly that. Except for whether Trump and Epstein were best buds, as opposed to just good buds, we knew what Sage\_Rat writes above all along, and Trump was elected president twice regardless. Everyone has seen this info, but here’s a reminder: [Newsweek Fact Check](https://www.newsweek.com/fact-check-did-donald-trump-call-jeffrey-epstein-terrific-guy-1857207) > [@](#): > > A 2002 profile about Epstein in [_New York_ magazine](https://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/n_7912/) quoted Donald Trump saying Epstein was a “terrific guy”, adding details about their shared interest in “beautiful women.” > > “I’ve known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy,” Trump told the magazine. > > "He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. I don’t get it. Trump is immune to sex scandals. I think the only reason Trump has for delaying document releases is to sustain the drama.. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/223 "2025-09-28T00:53:52Z")
He’s not immune as much as Republicans have no values that they actually live by. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/224 "2025-09-28T01:02:21Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > I don’t get it. Trump is immune to sex scandals. Hey was embarrassed and angered when Stormy Daniels told about his sad bedroom performance. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/225 "2025-09-28T01:02:25Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > He’s not immune as much as Republicans have no values that they actually live by. I’m going to disagree slightly - many political criminals among MAGA ranks have few to no ethics especially in pursuit of their ambitions - Mitch is the one I eye most for this. Many others only care about a very Few wedge issues, and would vote for anything that furthers those (totally amoral), and a large chunk of so-called Christian MAGA/Republicans, who _should_ claim morality and values that would be horrified at his actions, always seem to write them off because _any_ Democratic individual is obviously _worse_ despite zero evidence, or they pull the Cyrus excuse that his moral failings are to be excused for a greater good. Yeah, you and I may be blown away by their hypocrisy, but they still act as it they’re moral, just that their morality is targeted, selective, and prone to forgiveness _for those they favor_ just no-one outside their own group. Which is why if any famous (D) name shows up in the “files”, they’ll scream unto the heavens, but if one with an (R) after, well, he was obviously lead astray by the evil Demonrats (their word) / Satan / Woke-mind-virus / etc. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/226 "2025-09-28T01:08:35Z")
I think that’s too complicated. I like mine better. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/227 "2025-09-28T01:20:59Z")
That’s fair - I’m just pointing that there are _multiple_ reasons for individuals to ignore the obvious immorality of Trump’s actions, even if hard evidence were to be provided. The fact that he was convicted of a criminal sexual assault was handwaved away after all. So I do find the theory that _Trump_ isn’t worried about the files, but the people who pay him money or do favors for him _are_ very worried quite plausible. Because they are very unlikely to get the same immunity (political or social). ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/228 "2025-09-28T10:24:55Z")
If Bill did anything hinky with an underage girl, Hillary would probably murder him on live TV, not just because of her own ambitions but especially because of Chelsea. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/229 "2025-09-28T18:19:49Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > That’s fair - I’m just pointing that there are _multiple_ reasons for individuals to ignore the obvious immorality of Trump’s actions, even if hard evidence were to be provided. The fact that he was convicted of a criminal sexual assault was handwaved away after all. So I do find the theory that _Trump_ isn’t worried about the files, but the people who pay him money or do favors for him _are_ very worried quite plausible. Because they are very unlikely to get the same immunity (political or social). Correction: He was civilly liable, not convicted of criminal sexual assault. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/230 "2025-09-28T19:30:40Z")
Trump is now sending troops Into Portland, Oregon. I see it noted that Oregon Senator Ron Wyden has been pushing for the relief of Epstein materials. I have no doubt that this is direct retribution. > **[Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Wyden presses U.S. Treasury secretary to release Epstein...](https://www.opb.org/article/2025/09/25/oregons-us-sen-wyden-presses-us-treasury-secretary-to-release-epstein-financial-files/)** > > Sen. Ron Wyden has been investigating disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s financial transactions for years and calling for more transparency from federal agencies. > **[New Wyden Bill Would Force Treasury to Turn Over Epstein Files | The United...](https://www.finance.senate.gov/ranking-members-news/new-wyden-bill-would-force-treasury-to-turn-over-epstein-files)** > > New Wyden Bill Would Force Treasury to Turn Over Epstein Files ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/231 "2025-09-28T19:34:14Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > Bear in mind that 16 or 17 is also considered underage in (most of?) the United States. [Nope, not even.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_consent_in_the_United_States#State_laws) It’s complicated because the laws vary as far as whether there is an authority clause (i.e. teacher/student having a different age threshold) or there is a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ clause (i.e. teens close in age allowing a lower age of consent). But just generally an age of consent of 18 is found in a minority of states, though notably Florida is one of those. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/232 "2025-09-28T20:59:02Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > Correction: He was civilly liable, not convicted of criminal sexual assault. Pedantic correction acknowledged and accepted! 😉 I was lazy in my use of language. But the point remains is that the findings of the court and jury would, in more normal times, be considered very strong supporting evidence of immorality that his fans continue to hand-wave away, for all the reasons mentioned above. And anything showing up in Epstein’s files (again, if anything other than a skeevy friendship of like-minded individuals) would similarly be dismissed by the vast majority of his current supporters. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/233 "2025-09-28T21:29:19Z")
Do you think that there are actual Epstein files?, I don’t, why would there be? This is not some corporate business. Not keeping a lot of colated records. ID cards being scanned in and out. Do you think that there is a client list? Like a list of everyone you sold cocaine to? No. No list, no records. I do not believe in Epstein files other than as a hope someone can find something that implicates Trump. And that is, to me, unlikely. But that is the only hope. Meinda Gates divorced Bill over this, that much I am certain of. She has better people whatching out for her. Years ago. Most other things would have been leaked by now, why hasn’t it been leaked? Biggest story of our age, with nothing there? Because there is nothing there. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/234 "2025-09-28T21:31:08Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > Do you think that there are actual Epstein files? If there are not, what were the 100,000 pages that 1,000 FBI agents went through ‘flagging’ Trump’s name? ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/235 "2025-09-28T21:44:04Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > If there are not, what were the 100,000 pages that 1,000 FBI agents went through ‘flagging’ Trump’s name? . Yep. There are all kinds of records making up “the Epstein Files.” Flight records, phone records, photographs, videos…all kinds of data. Some of it was gathered from Epstein’s homes during various investigations into his activities; some was gathered from phone companies and banks and other businesses. The Files exist. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/236 "2025-09-28T21:50:48Z")
Did you count all 100,000 pages? I didn’t think so. 1000 FBI agents, are there even that many who have worked anywhere near the case, that’s a lot of people that never would have access. Did they all look at the case? You seem to be blinded by Trump hate and not thinking clearly. I guess my final question is, Do you really see a vast conspriacy where everyone in protecting Trump? I do not. I see 1000’s or more people that would love to bring him down. Everything else gets leaked, why not the Epsien files, if there is anything at all there. It ias a distraction. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/237 "2025-09-28T21:56:15Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > You seem to be blinded by Trump hate and not thinking clearly. What is it that you find to be unclear? Perhaps we can explain it for you. > [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > Do you really see a vast conspriacy where everyone in protecting Trump? Why would this require a “conspriacy,” vast or otherwise? People with power over those records serve at the pleasure of Trump, and they are obviously uninterested in defying his wishes. What about that puzzles you? > [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > Everything else gets leaked, why not the Epsien files, if there is anything at all there If those with the power to leak are motivated to keep the files secret (in order to please the boss), then why would you expect they’d be doing any leaking? ---
**Author:** ![StringsandHammers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stringsandhammers/32/17933_2.png) [@StringsandHammers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StringsandHammers)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/238 "2025-09-28T22:08:15Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > I guess my final question is, Do you really see a vast conspriacy where everyone in protecting Trump? I do not. I see 1000’s or more people that would love to bring him down. > > Everything else gets leaked, why not the Epsien files, if there is anything at all there. It ias a distraction. What a truly bizarre question. You do realize that the entire Federal government (all 3 branches of government) is in control of the GOP, right? You also realize this includes the Executive Branch and the Department of Justice, right? You’re asking why hasn’t the Epstein files that is controlled by the Trump administration and in particular Pam Bondi been leaked? Gee I dunno maybe because someone would get fired or get “Epstein’“ themselves in the middle of the night with no video footage??? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/239 "2025-09-28T22:45:38Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > Did you count all 100,000 pages? … > > You seem to be blinded by Trump hate and not thinking clearly. It was in the [news](https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-name-redacted-epstein-files-public-figures-2107647). > The [FBI](https://www.newsweek.com/topic/fbi) redacted [Donald Trump](https://www.newsweek.com/topic/donald-trump)’s name, along with the names of other prominent public figures, from references in the [Jeffrey Epstein](https://www.newsweek.com/topic/jeffrey-epstein) files, three people familiar with the matter told [Bloomberg](https://www.newsweek.com/topic/bloomberg)’s Jason Leopold. > > Internal directives instructed about 1,000 FBI agents to flag [any mention of Trump](https://www.newsweek.com/video-jeffrey-epstein-talking-about-donald-trump-resurfaces-2103285) during a March review of roughly 100,000 pages of records, people familiar with the process told Bloomberg. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2025, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997/240 "2025-09-28T23:31:02Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > You seem to be blinded by Trump hate and not thinking clearly. Nope, thinking very clearly. If there are no files and nothing to see why has the Fat Orange Monster been squawking for WEEKS about this issue, demanding MAGA drop it and move on? Speaker Mike Johnson sent the House on a break in hopes of stopping talk about the files you claim don’t exist. The FBI investigated Epstein so there are definitely files. And we are not the ones who have been blinded. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997.md?page=11) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-epstein-files-question/1020997.md?page=13)