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Former DOJ Attorney Doubts Explanation for Withheld Epstein Files
Aronberg says allegations against Trump were improperly excluded from Epstein document release
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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Former Justice Department attorney Dave Aronberg criticized the Trump administration's explanation for why records containing allegations of sexual assault against former President Donald Trump were withheld from the recent release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Aronberg said it was "unlikely" the records were mistakenly labeled as duplicates, and claimed the decisions on releasing the documents were being made "out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue".
Why it matters
The withholding of these records has raised questions about whether the Trump administration sought to suppress allegations against the former president. Aronberg's comments suggest the issue is far from resolved and that further investigation may be warranted.
The details
The newly released records include interviews with a woman who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her when she was between 13 and 15 years old. The DOJ had previously claimed the records were withheld because they were mistakenly labeled as duplicates, but Aronberg said the woman had four separate interviews with the FBI, and the second, third and fourth interviews where she accused Trump were the ones that were not released.
- In February 2026, it was discovered that several records from a woman who accused both Trump and Epstein of sexual assault were missing from the DOJ's release of files on Epstein.
- On March 8, 2026, the DOJ released the records in question, claiming they had been withheld due to being mistakenly labeled as duplicates.
The players
Dave Aronberg
A former state attorney of Palm Beach County, Florida and a former Justice Department attorney.
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States who was accused of sexual assault in the withheld records.
Jeffrey Epstein
The financier who was accused of sex trafficking and died in jail in 2019.
What they’re saying
“It is unlikely that they were duplicates or they thought they were duplicates.”
— Dave Aronberg, Former Justice Department attorney (MS NOW)
“Remember, this 13-year-old girl who came forward and made these allegations, she had four separate interviews with the FBI. The releases were of the first interview, when she pointed the finger at Epstein but did not accuse Trump of anything. The second, third and fourth interviews where she accused Trump, those were the ones that were not released.”
— Dave Aronberg, Former Justice Department attorney (MS NOW)
“The decisions on releasing these documents are clearly, in my mind, being made out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, it's the guy whose picture is on the banner outside the Department of Justice.”
— Dave Aronberg, Former Justice Department attorney (MS NOW)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the release of additional records related to the allegations against Trump.
The takeaway
This case highlights ongoing concerns about the Trump administration's efforts to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct against the former president, and the need for continued transparency and accountability around these issues.
