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DOJ Statement on Epstein's Death Raises Questions
A draft statement dated a day before Epstein's death sparks speculation online.
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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A small detail in a Justice Department statement on the 2019 death of Jeffrey Epstein has ignited an online frenzy of speculation. The document in question appears to be a draft statement on Epstein's death, but the date on the draft is August 9, a full day before the disgraced financier was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell on August 10. This has led many to question whether Epstein's death was known in advance.
Why it matters
Questions surrounding Epstein's death have circulated for years, with a number of oddities surrounding the incident that was ultimately ruled a suicide. This latest revelation about the DOJ statement's date has further fueled speculation and conspiracy theories about the circumstances of Epstein's demise.
The details
The draft DOJ statement was released last month as part of the publication of around 3.5 million Epstein files. Many online have pointed to the date discrepancy as proof that Epstein's death was known in advance. The statement was apparently drafted by then-U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman, who was later fired by President Trump at the request of then-Attorney General Bill Barr in a messy dispute.
- Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell on August 10, 2019.
- Epstein had been placed on suicide watch in late July 2019 after being found semi-conscious in his cell, but was taken off suicide watch just days later on July 29.
- The draft DOJ statement on Epstein's death is dated August 9, 2019, a full day before he was actually found dead.
The players
Geoffrey Berman
The U.S. Attorney whose name appears on the draft DOJ statement on Epstein's death. Berman was later fired by President Trump at the request of then-Attorney General Bill Barr in a messy dispute.
Bill Barr
The Attorney General under President Trump who requested the firing of Geoffrey Berman, the U.S. Attorney whose name appears on the draft DOJ statement on Epstein's death.
Donald Trump
The President who ordered the firing of Geoffrey Berman, the U.S. Attorney whose name appears on the draft DOJ statement on Epstein's death.
What they’re saying
“Unless it was typo (they got the day right, Friday, but date wrong, 9th instead of 10th) this is super weird.”
— Mehdi Hasan, Journalist and former MSNBC host (X)
“Why would the Trump administration draft a press release saying that Epstein died a day before he actually died? Oh. Oh my.”
— Patriot Takes, Political commentary account (X)
“Couldn't believe this was real so I double checked the DOJ site. It's real. U.S. attorney [Geoffrey] Berman announced Epstein's death with letterhead dated the day before he was found dead.”
— Clint Russell, Host of 'Liberty Lockdown' podcast (X)
What’s next
The judge overseeing the Epstein case is expected to review the DOJ's handling of the investigation and the circumstances surrounding Epstein's death.
The takeaway
This latest revelation about the DOJ statement's date has further fueled speculation and conspiracy theories about the circumstances of Epstein's death, which has been shrouded in mystery and oddities since the beginning. The public's trust in the government's transparency and handling of this high-profile case remains shaken.
