DOJ memo says no Epstein client list exists, sparking backlash

The Department of Justice released an unsigned two-page memo on July 7, 2025 concluding its review of all Epstein-related investigative holdings. The memo stated the department found no incriminating client list and no credible evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals. It also reaffirmed the medical examiner's finding that Epstein died by suicide in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019.

The FBI conducted an independent review of surveillance footage from Epstein's cell tier at the Metropolitan Correctional Center. The memo stated that from 10:40 p.m. on August 9, 2019 until approximately 6:30 a.m. the next morning, nobody entered any of the tiers where Epstein's cell was located. This was intended to put to rest conspiracy theories that Epstein was murdered.

Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News host John Roberts on February 21, 2025 that Epstein's client list was sitting on my desk right now to review. She said releasing it was a directive by President Trump. Four and a half months later, her own department's memo said no such list existed. White House officials later claimed Bondi meant the Epstein files generally, not a specific client list document.

FBI Deputy Director DBDan Bongino stormed out of a White House meeting on July 9 after confronting Attorney General Bondi about what he called her lack of transparency. The meeting included Bondi, Bongino, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Bongino and Patel were accused of leaking that the FBI wanted to release more files but the DOJ blocked it. Bongino seriously considered resigning from the FBI over the dispute.

Tucker Carlson attacked the memo at Turning Point USA's Student Action Summit in 🌴Florida on July 11. He said the government told him to shut up, conspiracy theorist and he was not going to accept it. Carlson also claimed without evidence that Epstein had been working on behalf of intel services, probably not American, insinuating Israeli intelligence involvement. Former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett denied the claim with 100% certainty.

President Trump told supporters on July 15 not to waste time and energy on Jeffrey Epstein and called the case pretty boring stuff. On July 16, he called the fixation on Epstein files a hoax perpetrated by the Democrats from the Oval Office. Trump also posted on Truth Social defending Bondi and telling supporters that nobody cares about Epstein. These dismissals drew rare public backlash from MAGA influencers and right-wing media figures.

Sen. RGRuben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced Senate Resolution 325 on July 17, 2025 calling on the DOJ to release Epstein materials to restore public trust. Republican Sen. MMMarkwayne Mullin of 🛢️Oklahoma blocked quick passage, calling it political theater. Mullin offered a competing resolution focused on releasing grand jury testimony instead. The Senate Judiciary Committee sent letters to FBI Director Patel and Deputy Director Bongino on July 18 demanding answers about the internal rift.

The bipartisan pressure eventually led Congress to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405) on November 18, 2025. The House voted 427 to 1, with only Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) voting no. The Senate passed it by unanimous consent. Trump signed it into law on November 19, 2025, requiring the attorney general to make all Epstein files publicly available within 30 days.