White House hands over Epstein Files

Several conservative political commentators were seen at the White House Thursday holding binders marked "The Epstein Files," just hours after US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Fox News the declassification of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier convicted of sexually abusing underage girls.

Among those present were Rogan O'Handley, known on social media as DC Draino, Chaya Raichik and Liz Wheeler, who were photographed with a binder labeled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1" as they exited the West Wing of the White House.

This event marks a significant moment in the long-running and controversial Epstein case, which has captured public attention for years because of its ties to prominent figures in politics, business and royalty.

In addition, the binders seen in the hands of commentators such as O'Handley bore the word "declassified."

Promise of transparency and first steps

Pam Bondi, in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, reported that the documents would include flight records and "a lot of names" and called the actions of the tycoon and his accomplices "pretty sick."

Bondi's announcement and the release of these files fulfill a campaign promise by President Donald Trump, who advocated for the declassification of the Epstein files.

This action also coincides with the efforts of the House Working Group on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, which plans to hold its first public hearing on March 26, 2025 to address this and similar issues.

Context of the Epstein Case

Jeffrey Epstein, a billionaire with connections to elites in the United States and abroad, sexually abused vulnerable girls, some as young as 14, for more than a decade.

His network of abuse, which operated between 1994 and 2004, was exposed after years of investigations and lawsuits. Epstein committed suicide in August 2019 in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, leaving behind a legacy of unanswered questions and demands for justice.

Ghislaine Maxwell, his ex-girlfriend and chief accomplice, was convicted in December 2021 of luring underage girls to Epstein so he could molest them. The daughter of British media mogul Robert Maxwell, who once owned the New York Daily News, Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. Her trial and associated documents have shed light on the extent of Epstein's network, although many names and details have remained in the shadows until now.

Previous documents and expectations

Over the years, thousands of pages of records have come to light through civil lawsuits, criminal dockets and requests under the Freedom of Information Act.

In January 2024, a court declassified several documents compiled into evidence in a lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's best-known victims. These included transcripts of victim interviews and old police reports, much of which was already public knowledge.

However, the release of the "The Epstein Files: Phase 1" at the White House suggests that there could be vastly more information to be revealed.

Rogan O'Handley, an influential figure among conservatives and active on the X platform, celebrated the action in recent publications, thanking Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel for what he described as an act of historic patriotism.

“Today I met with President Trump, VP JD Vance, AG Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel in the Oval Office. They handed me a binder copy of the Epstein Files. This is the most transparent administration in American history. The best part? This is just the start. AG Bondi confirmed there are thousands more Epstein File documents being secretly held in the SDNY and they will be delivered to the DOJ in DC by February 28. People will be going to jail for what they’ve done.”

Reactions and future prospects

The Epstein case has remained relevant because of the financier's connections to the likes of former presidents, billionaires and British royals.

The expectation now is on whether this "Phase 1" will bring new names or details that alter the known picture.

As the House Working Group progresses through its hearings and the contents of these binders are assessed, the public expects clearer answers about the Epstein network and its implications.

For now, this Thursday will be marked as a day when the case took one more step toward the light, thanks to Donald Trump's Republican administration and the fulfillment of campaign promises.