The Epstein Client List That Never Was

It was the headline that made waves:

“The Epstein client list is sitting on my desk right now.”
Those were the words of former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, spoken with confidence. The public has spent years wanting answers about Jeffrey Epstein’s powerful connections, this statement sounded like the long awaited moment for transparency had finally arrived.

But transparency never came.

Fast forward to July 2025: the Department of Justice and FBI quietly released a two page memo stating that Jeffrey Epstein never maintained a “client list” at all. No names. No nothing. Just an official denial that left the public stunned and confused.

Outlets like The Washington Post said on July 7th that “DOJ Says There Is No Epstein Client List as It Backs Off Promised Releases” The right and left want answers on the subject. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that Bondi had been referring to the entirety of all of the paperwork in relation to Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, not a literal list. This was an explanation many saw as a retreat from her earlier, more sensational claims.

While the Trump administration has been far more transparent on issues than the Biden administration, the handling of the Epstein files is a concern. No matter the party in power, accountability is a non-negotiable.

That said, it’s clear this administration has made strides in regaining public trust, whether through keeping campaign promises or cutting government waste. This story continues to change, and it’s likely to change again as new information emerges.