President Donald Trump formally requested that the Department of Justice and the FBI investigate ties between Jeffrey Epstein and prominent Democrats, financial institutions, and tech figures, amid renewed scrutiny of Trump’s past relationship with Epstein.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“I will be asking A.G. Pam Bondi, and the Department of Justice, together with our great patriots at the FBI, to investigate Jeffrey Epstein’s involvement and relationship with Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, J.P. Morgan, Chase, and many other people and institutions, to determine what was going on with them, and him.”
He added:
“This is being presented like another Russia investigation, with all attention focused on the Democrats.”
Later that day, Attorney General Pam Bondi responded to Trump’s request and announced on X (formerly Twitter) that she had asked Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, to lead the investigation. She emphasized, “As with all matters, the Department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.”
Trump’s announcement comes after newly released documents from Epstein’s estate triggered renewed scrutiny of his circle of associates. Among those named by Trump for investigation are former President Bill Clinton, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, tech investor and Democratic donor Reid Hoffman, and banking giant JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Clinton’s office has repeatedly denied any knowledge of or participation in Epstein’s criminal enterprises. Summers has said he “deeply regrets being in contact with Mr. Epstein after his conviction.” Hoffman, in a previously published email, said:
“The abuse described by Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors is abhorrent, horrific, and disgusting … by agreeing to participate in any fundraising activity where Epstein was present … I helped to repair his reputation and perpetuate injustice. For this, I am deeply regretful.”
JPMorgan Chase stated that it regrets its association with Epstein, but did not assist him in committing any crimes. The bank said it ended its relationship with Epstein before his 2019 arrest for sex trafficking.
Legal analysts warn that the president’s directive raises new questions about the independence of law enforcement decision-making. Traditionally, presidents do not order the DOJ to investigate individuals or firms — a task typically handled by independent prosecutors or special counsels.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is poised to vote next week on a measure that would compel the Justice Department to release its files related to the Epstein investigation. A discharge petition backed by four Republicans and the full Democratic caucus triggered the floor vote.
Epstein’s death by suicide in a Manhattan detention center in August 2019 left many unanswered questions about his network—questions that now involve not only private and financial sectors but also prominent political figures. With Trump’s call to investigate Democrats and corporations, the attention in the case has shifted from closure for victims to a focus on political dynamics.
As the federal investigation begins under the oversight of Clayton, observers say the key issue will be whether this is genuinely an accountability push or a strategic move in a broader political battle. For the public and survivors, the stakes are clear: transparency, justice, and truth in a case that continues to resonate with power, privilege, and secrecy.
