DOJ Told Trump He Is Named in Epstein Files; But Won’t Release Them

Justice officials told Trump his name appears in Epstein files. WSJ says it’s “not a sign of wrongdoing.” The DOJ won’t release the records, citing child pornography and the need to protect victims.

It’s one of the most sensitive stories inside the Trump White House.

According to the Wall Street Journal, President Trump was quietly informed in May that his name appears multiple times in the Epstein files—a trove of records reviewed by the Department of Justice earlier this year. So do many others.

The files reportedly include notes, testimonies, and seized materials from

Epstein’s homes. DOJ officials emphasized that much of the content is “unverified hearsay,” according to the Wall Street Journal, which also cautions that “being mentioned in the records isn’t a sign of wrongdoing.”

Still, the DOJ has decided not to release the documents—citing the presence of child pornography and the need to protect victims’ identities.

The announcement has sparked backlash from parts of Trump’s base, where some allies are demanding transparency. Others, including the president himself, reportedly just want the story to disappear.

Today’s Pro Brief breaks down what Trump was told, what the files contain, and why this could fracture MAGA’s faith in one of its own. Click the button below to gain access.