Jeffrey Epstein's criminal defense attorney has come forward with explosive testimony about what the disgraced financier told him regarding Donald Trump just days before Epstein's death in federal custody. The revelation comes amid escalating tensions between Trump and Elon Musk over allegations connecting the president to the Epstein scandal.
Attorney's Direct Testimony
David Schoen, who served as Epstein's lead criminal defense attorney for nine days before the financier's death in August 2019, made his first public statements Thursday evening about conversations he had with his client regarding Trump. "I can say authoritatively, unequivocally, and definitively that he had no information to hurt President Trump. I specifically asked him!" Schoen declared on social media platform X.
The attorney provided additional context about the timing and nature of these conversations. "What I can say definitively is that I discussed this subject with Mr. Epstein at a time when it would have been in his best interests to implicate others, and he made clear that Donald Trump did nothing wrong and that he had no damaging information against him," Schoen stated.
Schoen emphasized his unique position to make such claims, noting that he was "hired to lead Jeffrey Epstein's defense as his criminal lawyer 9 days before he died. He sought my advice for months before that." The attorney stressed that during this critical period, when facing serious federal charges, Epstein would have had every incentive to provide information about others if such information existed.
Context of the Revelation
Schoen's statements emerged during a heated public feud between Trump and Musk that began over disagreements about Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" budget legislation. The dispute escalated dramatically when Musk posted on X: "@realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!"
Musk followed up with additional posts, including sharing old video footage of Trump and Epstein at a Mar-a-Lago party from 1992, writing cryptically: "Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out." The Tesla CEO's allegations prompted immediate responses from both Trump allies and Schoen himself.
"No. I won't be speaking to him for a while, I guess, but I wish him well." - President Trump upon being asked if there are plans to reconcile
Ongoing File Release Process
The attorney's revelations come as the Justice Department continues releasing Epstein-related documents in phases. Attorney General Pam Bondi has been leading efforts to declassify files related to Epstein's extensive network and sexual exploitation activities. In February, Bondi released the first phase of declassified files, which largely contained documents already in the public domain.
Trump's name has appeared in released flight logs a total of seven times, though legal experts note that appearance in flight logs does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing, as many individuals could have used Epstein's aircraft for legitimate business purposes. The president has previously acknowledged knowing Epstein socially but stated they had a falling out in the mid-2000s.
FBI Investigation and Evidence
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino recently revealed the existence of surveillance video from the night of Epstein's death that shows no one else entering or leaving his cell, supporting the official determination that Epstein died by suicide. The Bureau has been reviewing "tens of thousands of videos" and evidence involving hundreds of victims as part of the ongoing investigation.
Bondi has emphasized that the agencies are moving deliberately to protect the identities of more than 250 victims connected to Epstein's trafficking operation. One Epstein victim, Teresa Helm, has urged the administration to expedite releases, telling media that "the ongoing cover-up and extreme lack of transparency has been exhausted."
Political Ramifications
The timing of Schoen's statements adds another layer to the complex political dynamics surrounding the Epstein case. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the Musk-Trump dispute, stating: "This is an unfortunate episode from Elon, who is unhappy with the One Big Beautiful Bill because it does not include the policies he wanted. The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation."
When asked about future communication with Musk, Trump told reporters: "No. I won't be speaking to him for a while, I guess, but I wish him well."
