Democrats release new Epstein estate photos, reigniting political and transparency battles |
US House Democrats have released approximately 100 previously unseen photographs obtained from the estate of the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, reigniting a fierce political battle over transparency, accountability, and the unresolved questions surrounding Epstein’s powerful social network. The images, made public on December 12, form part of a broader Democratic effort to pressure the Justice Department into releasing the remaining classified and sealed materials related to the Epstein investigation.
The release immediately drew sharp reactions from both sides of the political aisle. Democrats framed the disclosure as a necessary step toward public accountability, while the White House and Republican allies denounced it as a politically motivated attempt to smear President Donald Trump and other conservative figures.
The newly released photographs largely depict the interior of Epstein’s properties, including his Manhattan townhouse and his private Caribbean island. Several images show bedrooms, sitting rooms, and hallways that have long been the subject of speculation since Epstein’s arrest and subsequent death in custody in 2019. Some of the photographs also include objects that hint at Epstein’s controversial lifestyle, such as sex toys and novelty items, though none of the images show explicit sexual acts or criminal conduct.
Among the most scrutinized images are photographs featuring well-known public figures who were part of Epstein’s social circle over the years. These include Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, filmmaker Woody Allen, constitutional lawyer Alan Dershowitz, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his UK royal title in........