Donald Trump says there could be people in Epstein files who 'don't deserve to be there' in shocking statement

President Donald Trump has said that there could be people in the Jeffrey Epstein files that 'don't deserve to be there'.

Speaking at the White House on Friday afternoon (August 22) Trump answered a question regarding the files.

"The DOJ is sending some of the Epstein files over to the House Oversight Committee. Are you in support of them releasing them?" A reporter asked.

Trump responded: "I'm in support of keeping it open. Innocent people shouldn't be hurt. "You have a lot of people that could be mentioned in those files that don't deserve to be because he knew everybody in Palm Beach.

"I have said to Pam and everybody else, give them everything you can give them, because it's a Democrat hoax, the whole Epstein thing is a Democrat hoax."

The Trump administration has been facing mounting pressure in recent weeks to release the so-called Epstein files of the late convicted pedophile, with theories that it contains an alleged 'client list' of the rich, famous, and powerful.

It's been more than five months since Attorney General Pam Bondi said the files were sitting on her desk and waiting to be released, though the Department of Justice announced shortly afterwards that it would not release any further files related to the case. The DOJ added no such 'client list' exists.

However, the Trump administration made a U-turn on the matter, announcing that all the FBI files, including the grand jury testimony, will be released.

Still, the president is doubling down on what the files include, telling reporters recently: "It’s a hoax that’s been built up way beyond proportion. I can say this, those files were run by the worst scum on Earth.

"They were run by (former FBI director James) Comey, they were run by (former US attorney general Merrick) Garland, they were run by (former president Joe) Biden, and all of the people that actually ran the government.

"Those files were run by these people. They were run by my enemy. If there was anything in there, they would have used them for the election.”

The press conference on Friday was held to announce that the World Cup draw would be held at the Kennedy Center next year.

The World Cup draw is usually in December ahead of the tournament next year, which is being co-hosted by three countries - Canada, Mexico, and the US.

While it is often the case that a host country's capital is included as a host city, Washington was not selected for the 2026 tournament.

According to CNN, the draw being held at the Kennedy Center provides a role for Washington to play.

The draw will mark the first major event of the tournament, of which there are 48 countries participating.

According to reports, Trump has become friendly with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, with the competition set to bring $30 billion into the US economy and six million fans to matches across North America.