Former DOJ Attorney Slams Explanation for Withheld Epstein Files

Dave Aronberg says the DOJ's claim that records were mistakenly labeled as duplicates is "unlikely".

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Former Justice Department attorney Dave Aronberg criticized the Trump administration's explanation for why records from a woman accusing both Trump and Epstein of sexual assault were withheld from the DOJ's recent release of files on Jeffrey Epstein. Aronberg said the DOJ's claim that the records were mistakenly labeled as duplicates is "unlikely" and that the decisions on releasing the documents are "clearly" being made from "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue".

Why it matters

The withholding of these records has raised questions about potential political interference in the DOJ's handling of the Epstein case and whether there are efforts to shield President Trump from allegations of sexual misconduct.

The details

The newly released records include several interviews with a woman accusing Trump of sexually assaulting her when she was between 13 and 15 years old. Aronberg noted that the woman's accusations against Trump were made in the second, third and fourth interviews with the FBI, but those were the ones that were not initially released. He also pointed out that the accuser is now apparently 55 years old, raising more questions about the timeline of Trump's relationship with Epstein.

  • 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.
  • Last Friday, 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 has been accused of sexual misconduct, including an allegation from a woman who says she was between 13 and 15 years old at the time of the incident.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who was accused of sex trafficking and had a relationship with Donald Trump.

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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's 'Alex Witt Reports')

“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's 'Alex Witt Reports')

“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's 'Alex Witt Reports')

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 and Epstein.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about potential political interference in the DOJ's handling of the Epstein investigation and the need for full transparency around all allegations of sexual misconduct involving high-profile individuals.