Epstein Files Reveal Ties to Lutnick, Bannon and Musk/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Justice Department released over 600,000 Jeffrey Epstein documents, exposing links with political and business elites. Communications include messages with Steve Bannon, Elon Musk, and others. The files also reveal new details about Epstein’s 2019 suicide and jail conditions.
Epstein Document Release Quick Looks
- Over 600,000 pages published, millions more pending review
- Epstein messaged Steve Bannon about Trump, politics, and PR efforts
- Elon Musk, Howard Lutnick exchanged emails about island visits
- Kathy Ruemmler acknowledged past professional ties, now regrets them
- Bannon asked Epstein for private jet assistance in 2019
- Records reveal covert prison body removal tactics after Epstein’s suicide
- DOJ faces criticism for withholding remaining Epstein documents
- Files show political, social ties to both Democrats and Republicans
Deep Look: Epstein Document Trove Unveils Powerful Connections, New Death Details
A massive cache of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein was released Friday, shedding light on his far-reaching ties with political insiders, billionaires, and global influencers—including figures close to both Republican and Democratic administrations. The U.S. Department of Justice published more than 600,000 pages, fulfilling part of a congressional mandate requiring transparency into Epstein’s extensive network and the investigation surrounding his 2019 death.
The release is only the beginning: with over 3 million documents, videos, and photos collected, much of the Epstein archive remains unreleased, prompting criticism from lawmakers who accuse the DOJ of selectively disclosing files that protect certain high-profile names.
Bannon’s Cozy Exchanges with Epstein
Among the most politically sensitive revelations is a series of messages exchanged between Epstein and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon. The two communicated frequently in 2019, months before Epstein’s death in jail, discussing everything from politics and travel to a potential documentary aimed at reviving Epstein’s public image.
In one message, Bannon asked if Epstein could send a private jet to pick him up in Rome. Epstein later joked, “Now you can understand why trump wakes up in the middle of the night sweating when he hears you and I are friends.”
The full context of their exchanges remains unclear due to redactions and fragmented formatting in the released materials. Bannon has not responded to media requests for comment.
Emails to Musk, Lutnick Reveal Island Invitations
Another key section of the documents shows Epstein contacting Tesla CEO Elon Musk in 2012 and 2013. In emails, Epstein asked how many guests Musk wanted to fly to his private island—later associated with multiple sexual abuse allegations. Musk responded that he’d likely attend with his partner and inquired, “What day/night will be the wildest party on =our island?”
It remains uncertain whether Musk ever visited the island, though he has publicly stated on X (formerly Twitter), “Epstein tried to get me to go to his island and I REFUSED.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also appeared in the files, with emails showing plans to visit Epstein’s island in December 2012. His wife expressed enthusiasm, saying they’d arrive by yacht with their children. Lutnick and Epstein also met for drinks in 2011 and later discussed nearby real estate developments.
Though Lutnick has said he cut ties with Epstein years ago and has described him as “gross,” he has not commented on the new disclosures.
Obama-Era Official Responds to Emails
Former Obama White House official Kathy Ruemmler also appears in the cache. In a 2018 email, Epstein warned her—ironically and with typos—that Democrats should avoid painting Trump as a Mafia figure, while simultaneously calling Trump a “maniac.” Ruemmler’s spokesperson confirmed she had professional contact with Epstein during her time in private practice and now “regrets ever knowing him.”
Inside Epstein’s Final Days and Mysterious Death
The documents offer new glimpses into Epstein’s incarceration and controversial death in a New York jail in August 2019. Investigators exchanged internal emails expressing skepticism about Epstein’s final note, stating it “doesn’t look like a suicide note.” However, multiple investigations have ruled his death a suicide.
One especially revealing detail involves how jail staff diverted media attention during the removal of Epstein’s body. Staff created a decoy using boxes and sheets and placed it in a white van marked with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Meanwhile, Epstein’s actual body was transported in a separate black vehicle that went unnoticed, according to investigative notes.
This deception was used to prevent the press from tracking the actual transport of Epstein’s remains amid heightened public scrutiny and conspiracy theories.
Legal and Political Fallout Continues
The partial release has prompted renewed calls for full transparency. Many Democrats are pushing for the remaining files to be disclosed to the public, citing accountability and public interest.
Despite widespread bipartisan concern over Epstein’s crimes and connections, the newly published records only deepen the mystery surrounding who knew what, and when—and what, if anything, remains hidden in the DOJ’s vault.
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