The Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI released a memo on July 8, concluding that there is no evidence that Jeffrey Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals, maintained a "client list," or was murdered, affirming that he died by suicide in 2019 while in federal custody.
The memo includes both raw and "enhanced" enhanced security footage from Epstein’s prison cell area, which it claims, supports the medical examiner’s determination of suicide and shows no suspicious activity. The findings contradict long-standing public evidence and prior statements made by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who had previously claimed the client list was under review.
The DOJ memo also states that no further charges are expected in connection with Epstein’s case, as no credible evidence was found implicating third parties. Additionally, the DOJ emphasized its commitment to combating child exploitation and bringing justice to victims.
The findings represent the first time the DOJ has sought to officially contradicted 'conspiracy theories' about Epstein's activities and his death. The memo says no one else involved in the Epstein case will be charged.
The memo’s release comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Bondi’s earlier statements and has drawn furious criticisms online especially from Trump's MAGA supporters who decried what they see as DOJ attempt to cover up the Epstein's connections to Israeli intelligence and its blackmail operations.
As journalist Nick Bryant explained in part on the Shawn Ryan Show, "Epstein had cameras in all of his homes. Epstein was definitely a blackmail artist.
"The government wants to make sure that that does not come out. A huge part of our political system is predicated on blackmail.
"If that dark, malignant corner of the intelligence that is using blackmail against our politicians and other people, if they were using children, that would make the American people erupt.
"For that dark corner of intelligence, this is Omaha Beach. They're not going to give an inch.
"If you look at all the victims and all the perpetrators and all the procurers involved in the Epstein network ... no one's been indicted except for Ghislaine Maxwell.
"That really shows that our government, unfortunately, wants to stop it there.
"Why is our government aiding, abetting child trafficking unless they're protecting some very powerful people and a political process?
"That's the only way that it makes sense."
Critics also argue that the video released by the DOJ of Epstein's cell is misleading, as it implies that the only avenue to get to his cell was through the common area.
During a Cabinet meeting at the White House Tuesday, President Donald Trump became defensive when questioned about his administration's handling of the Epstein investigation, particularly regarding the client list and the missing minute in surveillance footage from the night of Epstein’s death.
"Are you still talking about - Jeffrey EPSTEIN? ... We have Texas, this, all of the things...are people still talking about this creep? That is UNBELIEVABLE! I can't believe you're asking a question on Epstein," Trump said, responding to reporter's questions during the Cabinet meeting. The remarks drew furious reactions by critics online who accused the president of "gaslighting," and treating voters as if they're "stupid."
On her part, Bondi claimed she never meant to say that there was an Epstein list, during a viral appearance on Fox News when the Attorney General claimed that the files were "on my desk," for review before release.
The controversial memo release comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is back to the White House Monday, to discuss a potential Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal. The pair and Vice President JD Vance reportedly met again Tuesday, in the Oval Office for 90 minutes. This meeting occurred amid broader diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in the region. Qatari delegation also reportedly met with top officials in the White House Tuesday.
"To be clear: I am NOT calling for violence. I'm just saying, historically, any gov that would cover up for a sex trafficking ring of minors to the rich and powerful, would be justifiably overthrown by any means necessary," furious prominent Trump supporter and podcaster Clint Russell wrote on X. "Epstein worked for Mossad. FYI. That's why they are lying."
Here's the DOJ/FBI memo