A fresh release of millions of documents by the US government has expanded the list of wealthy and influential figures whose names appear in files connected to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Authorities stress that being mentioned in the material does not imply criminal conduct, and many individuals referenced have denied any wrongdoing or said their contact with Epstein was limited or professional.
The documents include emails, photographs, financial records and internal notes gathered during investigations into Epstein’s activities. They span several years and reflect interactions both before and after his 2008 conviction in Florida. In many cases, the records lack context or corroboration, while others contain unverified allegations or second-hand claims.
Technology entrepreneur Elon Musk appears in email exchanges with Epstein discussing travel and social plans, though Musk has said he never visited Epstein’s private island and has framed the correspondence as an attempt to malign his reputation rather than evidence of misconduct. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is mentioned in draft emails attributed to Epstein that contain lurid claims, which Gates has categorically rejected through his representatives.
Former US president Donald Trump is cited numerous times, largely in connection with unverified tips submitted to federal authorities. Trump has long maintained that he cut ties with Epstein years ago and has not been accused of crimes by Epstein’s victims. Bill Clinton, another former president, appears in photographs and travel references from decades ago, with his office reiterating that the images predate Epstein’s criminal exposure and do not suggest wrongdoing.
British figures also feature prominently. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is linked to photographs included in the files, though they are presented without explanation and he has consistently denied any improper behaviour. His former wife Sarah Ferguson is mentioned in emails that indicate familiarity but provide no evidence of illegal activity. Lord Mandelson is tied to financial transactions and correspondence that have prompted a criminal investigation in the UK, leading him to announce his intention to step down from the House of Lords while denying any criminal intent.
Business leaders such as Richard Branson, Steve Tisch and Howard Lutnick are referenced through emails and planned meetings. Their representatives have said any interactions were limited, occurred years ago, or never progressed beyond social or professional contact. Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, is noted as having visited Epstein’s island and attended dinners, though the documents do not allege misconduct.
Several political advisers and public intellectuals are also named. Steve Bannon exchanged messages with Epstein after leaving the White House, reportedly while researching a film project, and has not been accused of crimes. Noam Chomsky appears to have offered advice on media strategy, with his family later saying he was misled by Epstein’s version of events. Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak acknowledged ongoing contact with Epstein after his conviction but denied witnessing or participating in any illegal activity.
Other figures include filmmakers, lawyers, influencers and diplomats whose emails and messages reflect varying degrees of familiarity with Epstein and his associates, including Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a lengthy prison sentence for her role in trafficking teenage girls. In several cases, those named have expressed regret over their associations, resigned from positions, or said the correspondence shows poor judgment rather than criminal behaviour.
The latest release has reignited debate over accountability, transparency and the influence Epstein wielded among global elites. While the documents shed light on the breadth of his connections, they also underscore the need for caution in interpreting raw records that often lack context, verification or legal findings, leaving many questions unresolved for investigators and the public alike.
