DOJ Releases Previously Withheld Epstein Files Containing Allegations Against Trump

The files include FBI interview reports with a woman who made uncorroborated claims of abuse by Trump in the 1980s

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Justice has released three previously withheld FBI interview reports from 2019 related to a woman who made uncorroborated allegations that she was abused by former President Donald Trump in the 1980s, when she was a minor. The DOJ initially withheld the reports, believing them to be duplicative, but later determined they were incorrectly coded and released them on Thursday.

Why it matters

The release of these files has reignited scrutiny over Trump's relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual misconduct. While the claims against Trump remain uncorroborated, the DOJ's decision to withhold and then release the files has drawn criticism from Congressional Democrats who accused the agency of illegally protecting the former president.

The details

According to the FBI reports, the woman claimed Epstein once took her to either New York or New Jersey where he introduced her to Trump when she was between 13 and 15 years old. She alleged that Trump abused her during that trip. However, the timing of the alleged incident does not align with the known timeline of Trump and Epstein's relationship. In her fourth interview, the woman declined to provide additional details about the alleged interaction with Trump when asked by agents.

  • The FBI interviewed the woman four times between July and October 2019.
  • The alleged incident with Trump was said to have occurred in the early-to-mid 1980s.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has been accused of sexual misconduct, though he has denied any wrongdoing related to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who was convicted of sex trafficking and had a known relationship with Donald Trump, though the extent of their interactions is unclear.

Pam Bondi

The former Attorney General of Florida who has been accused of illegally withholding documents to protect President Trump.

Robert Garcia

A Democratic Congressman from California who accused the DOJ of illegally withholding the Epstein files to protect the former president.

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What they’re saying

“It is unconscionable, it is illegal, and [Attorney General] Pam Bondi and the president need to answer where those files are.”

— Robert Garcia, U.S. Congressman, Democrat from California (ksro.com)

“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, and if they have a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already.”

— Department of Justice (ksro.com)

What’s next

The DOJ has stated it will continue to review the Epstein files for any additional documents that may have been incorrectly coded as duplicative. Congressional oversight and public scrutiny of the DOJ's handling of these sensitive files is expected to continue.

The takeaway

The release of these previously withheld Epstein files containing allegations against former President Trump has reignited debates over transparency, accountability, and the DOJ's role in protecting high-profile individuals. The case highlights the complex and controversial nature of investigating powerful figures and the need for thorough, impartial investigations into claims of sexual misconduct.