Top Democrat Accuses DOJ of Withholding FBI Records in Trump-Epstein Investigation

A senior Democrat in Congress has accused the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) of withholding key FBI interview records tied to allegations that former President Donald Trump sexually abused a woman when she was a minor. Representative Robert Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said the DOJ failed to release more than 50 pages of documents connected to the woman’s claims during its broader disclosure of over 3 million Jeffrey Epstein-related files.

According to Garcia, the unreleased records show the FBI interviewed the accuser four times and treated her allegations seriously. However, only the first interview was made public, and it reportedly did not include detailed accusations against Trump. In a letter to the Justice Department, Garcia wrote that suppressing documents related to alleged sexual abuse raises serious concerns about a potential White House cover-up.

The Justice Department responded that it is reviewing whether any Epstein-related materials were improperly withheld and stated that additional documents would be published if appropriate. Officials also emphasized that some previously released records contain unverified allegations and sensational claims involving Trump. The DOJ added that certain documents remain sealed to protect the identities of Epstein’s victims and to avoid compromising ongoing investigations.

Recently released materials include photographs of Trump with several women whose faces were redacted, as well as a suggestive note to Epstein that appears to bear Trump’s signature. During the 2021 trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, evidence and testimony indicated that Trump traveled multiple times on Epstein’s private plane. In one email, Epstein allegedly wrote that Trump “knew about the girls,” though the context remains unclear.

The White House has strongly denied the allegations. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stated that Trump has been “totally exonerated” in matters related to Epstein. Trump has acknowledged socializing with Epstein in the 1990s and early 2000s but maintains he cut ties before Epstein’s 2008 conviction. He denies flying on Epstein’s plane and claims the suggestive note is fabricated.