FBI Director Patel Promises Transparency Amid Criticism Regarding Epstein Files
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the FBI has been caught withholding certain files.
New FBI Director Kash Patel committed to complete transparency on Thursday following mounting criticism regarding the bureau’s handling of files related to the notorious child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
This came after a small selection of documents included flight logs from Epstein’s private aircraft, which have been accessible in various court cases for some time, as well as a heavily redacted copy of an address book allegedly created by Epstein and his long-time associate Ghislaine Maxwell, which has been referenced in numerous media reports for years.
The Justice Department also released a heavily redacted list of masseuses alongside an evidence list detailing over 150 items, including nude photographs, massage tables, sex toys, and more. It remains unclear whether this list pertains to Epstein’s case, Maxwell’s case, or another investigation altogether.
On Thursday evening, Patel appeared to address Bondi’s concerns and the criticism regarding the bureau’s file management, although he did not specifically mention the Epstein files. Instead, he assured that there would be “no cover-ups” or “missing documents.”
“The FBI is entering a new era—one that will be characterized by integrity, accountability, and an unwavering pursuit of justice. There will be no cover-ups, no missing documents, and no stone left unturned—and anyone from the previous or current Bureau who undermines this will be swiftly pursued,” he posted on X.
Related Stories
“If there are any gaps, we will identify them. If records have been concealed, we will reveal them. Furthermore, every finding will be presented to the DOJ for thorough evaluation and transparent communication to the American people as it rightfully should be. Our oath is to the Constitution, and under my direction, that promise will be maintained without exception.”
The Epoch Times reached out to the FBI for a statement on Friday.
In her letter to Patel on Thursday, Bondi noted that additional records had recently been uncovered. She demanded that the FBI deliver “the complete and comprehensive Epstein files” to her by Friday morning and instructed Patel to “initiate an immediate investigation” into why her previous order for all documents to be turned over was not adhered to.
President Donald Trump, during his tenure when Epstein was arrested and subsequently found dead in a jail cell in 2018, suggested during his campaign last year that he would seek to release government files.
Epstein was charged with the sexual abuse of numerous underage girls in the early 2000s but ultimately only served 13 months in prison after being found dead in his cell. He faced federal charges in New York in 2019, more than a decade after he secretly struck a plea deal with federal prosecutors in Florida to dismiss similar charges of sex trafficking.
His case garnered considerable attention online and in traditional media due to his connections with prominent celebrities, business leaders, politicians, and other influential figures.
Earlier on Thursday, several conservative influencers were observed with alleged copies of the Epstein files in photos shared on social media. Among those holding the binders were commentator Rogan O’Handley, known online as DC Draino, as well as personalities like Mike Cernovich, Jack Posobiec, Liz Wheeler, Libs of TikTok, and others.
Some conservative commentators expressed disappointment over the release of the files on Thursday. For instance, Raheem Kassam, an editor at the National Pulse, remarked that “it is embarrassing for the White House, most of whom likely had no prior exposure to the documents given to social media influencers who believed they were only attending a series of policy briefings.”
Among elected officials, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) expressed her dissatisfaction with the transparency of the file rollout on X, stating, “GET US THE INFORMATION WE ASKED FOR!” on a post made Thursday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.