Source The guardian
Former US President Donald Trump has said that the continued focus on files related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein is unfairly damaging the reputations of people who had only incidental or innocent contact with him, reigniting debate over how the Epstein case is being discussed in public discourse.
Speaking during a recent interaction with supporters and reporters, Trump complained that the release and circulation of Epstein-related documents were being used to “smear” individuals who may have crossed paths with Epstein socially or professionally but had no involvement in his criminal activities. He argued that simply appearing in records, photographs, or social settings with Epstein should not automatically invite suspicion.
“These files are hurting a lot of people who innocently met him,” Trump said, according to reports, adding that Epstein had been active in elite social circles for years and encountered many public figures before his crimes became widely known.
Epstein, a wealthy financier with deep connections in political, business, and celebrity circles, died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Since then, court filings, flight logs, and unsealed documents linked to Epstein have repeatedly surfaced, triggering public scrutiny of individuals named in connection with him. Many of those named have denied any wrongdoing.
Trump himself has faced questions in the past over his past acquaintance with Epstein, though he has said he cut ties with him long before Epstein’s arrest and has denied any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s crimes. In earlier statements, Trump had also said he was “not a fan” of Epstein.
The former president’s remarks come amid renewed attention on Epstein-related documents following recent court orders to unseal materials connected to civil litigation involving Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a prison sentence for her role in helping recruit and abuse underage girls.
Legal experts have repeatedly cautioned that inclusion in Epstein-related files does not imply criminal conduct. Several individuals named in the documents have stressed that they never engaged in illegal behavior and, in some cases, had only brief or incidental contact with Epstein.
Trump’s comments have drawn mixed reactions, with supporters echoing his concerns about reputational damage and critics arguing that transparency remains essential given the scale and seriousness of Epstein’s crimes. The debate underscores the continuing sensitivity surrounding the case, years after Epstein’s death, and the challenge of balancing public accountability with the presumption of innocence.
