President Donald Trump lambasted CNN on Tuesday for broadcasting decades-old photographs of him with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, triggering a wave of support from his base for a more exhaustive investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) into Epstein's network. The images, which CNN touted as "exclusive," have been publicly accessible for years, raising questions about the network's journalistic practices.
The contentious photos emerged from various social events dating back to the early 1990s, including Trump's 1993 wedding to Marla Maples, the opening of the Harley Davidson Café, and gatherings at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Florida resort. Epstein, who mingled with Trump, his children Ivanka and Eric, and then-girlfriend Melania, has been a figure of public scrutiny since his criminal activities came to light.
During a terse 30-second phone interview with CNN reporter Andrew Kaczynski, President Trump reportedly terminated the call with a dismissive, “You’ve got to be kidding me,” before denouncing CNN as purveyors of “fake news.” The network's segment had presented the photos as new findings, despite their availability on platforms like Google Images and Shutterstock.
In defense of the President, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung characterized the photos as "cherry-picked screenshots" that were decontextualized to suggest improper associations. Cheung reminded the public that Trump had previously barred Epstein from his clubs for inappropriate behavior, well before Epstein faced any legal charges.
This incident comes amid growing discontent among Trump's supporters regarding the Epstein case's management by Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel. Earlier in the month, the two officials concluded that no further charges would be pursued, a decision that left many feeling the original investigation was either mishandled or incomplete.
Responding to the increasing pressure, President Trump directed Bondi to take additional measures. Consequently, the DOJ has asked for the unsealing of grand jury testimony related to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell in the Southern District of New York. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is preparing to meet with Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for her involvement in Epstein's sex trafficking ring, to discuss any further information she might provide.
Maxwell's legal team recently sought a Supreme Court review of her conviction, which was denied. The DOJ has maintained that Epstein's controversial 2008 plea agreement does not grant immunity to accomplices like Maxwell.
Legal experts warn that unsealing grand jury records may not lead to major new insights, as these documents often summarize evidence rather than offering complete testimonies. However, the DOJ's actions suggest a renewed attention to the case amid political and public demand.
Trump supporters have long clamored for the disclosure of Epstein's alleged "client list," which they believe could reveal other high-profile individuals involved in the criminal activities. Despite this, Bondi's office has stated that no such list exists, intensifying speculation and mistrust.
While no evidence has surfaced implicating Trump in any criminal activities related to Epstein, the resurfacing of the old photos has reignited public interest and demands for clarity. The Trump administration has reiterated its commitment to a comprehensive investigation as the DOJ pursues new leads.
