On Friday, Democratic lawmakers disclosed documents related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, which may indicate connections between Epstein and several prominent conservatives, including Elon Musk, Steve Bannon, and Peter Thiel. The six pages of released documents, provided by the Justice Department to the House Oversight Committee, are part of an ongoing inquiry into the handling of Epstein’s sex-trafficking charges before his death in federal custody in 2019.
Documents released by the committee’s Democratic minority feature Epstein’s calendar, highlighting a planned breakfast with Bannon in February 2019, a lunch with Thiel in November 2017, and a potential trip by Musk to Epstein’s private island in December 2014. Additionally, a 2000 manifest from Epstein’s airplane includes Prince Andrew, noted for his well-documented ties to Epstein, alongside a financial disclosure indicating Epstein had made payments to an individual listed as “Andrew” for services on massage, exercise, and yoga during the same year.
Earlier this year, Musk claimed on social media that Trump is included in what are referred to as the “Epstein files” after Trump criticized his tax and spending policies. Recently, Musk remarked that faith in Trump would be difficult without the release of these files.
In response to the release of the documents, Eric Swalwell, a Democratic representative from California, provocatively questioned the involvement of Musk and Trump regarding Epstein. The Republican-led committee accused Democrats of selectively releasing records, asserting that this marks old news and a political maneuver prioritizing politics over victims. They plan to release additional documents.
Democratic committee member Robert Garcia countered that exposing any individual tied to Epstein’s files, regardless of their political affiliation, is crucial for justice. Bipartisan efforts are underway in the House to pass legislation compelling the release of all Epstein-related documents, although any resulting legislation requires Senate approval and the signature of President Trump, who has dismissed the issue as a political hoax. The Guardian has sought comments from Musk and Thiel.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/26/democrats-jeffrey-epstein-documents