Trump given serious ultimatum over Epstein files from Fox News host

Debate around the release of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein has once again found its way into the spotlight, as a key member of Fox News has now publicly challenged the US president’s claims about being in the all-clear.

The files, which started to be released following new transparency legislation, have seen no end to scrutiny over the accountability of those named. Critics have argued that redactions and legal protections may still be keeping important details hidden from view.

Lawmakers themselves have also questioned whether the process has gone far enough. As reported by VT.co, Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie voiced concerns about internal government material, saying: “The problem with that is the bill that Ro Khanna and I wrote says that they must release internal memos and notes and emails about their decisions on whether to prosecute or not prosecute, whether to investigate or not investigate.”

The conversation has recently intensified when Donald Trump, when asked by a Fox News journalist over the arrest of the former Prince Andrew, insisted the documents had cleared him entirely; as shared by outlets like C-Span, Trump responded: “Well, you know, I’m the expert in a way, because I’ve been totally exonerated…It’s really interesting, because nobody used to speak about Epstein when he was alive, but now they speak, but I’m the one that can talk about it, because I’ve been totally exonerated. I did nothing.”

Tarlov calls for full transparency after Trump’s exoneration claim (John Lamparski/Contributor/Getty Images)

His remarks quickly drew a pointed response from Fox News’ The Five co-host Jessica Tarlov, who issued a blunt challenge on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Then release all the files.”

There hasn’t been a White House response as of yet, but the statement is quite surprising, given Fox News is strongly a pro-Trump organisation.

This has been but the latest fuel in a fresh debate about whether the current release represents the full picture or only a portion of the documents linked to the case.

Any redactions are required by law to be submitted with a summary and their legal basis for being so, alongside mentioning any government officials who have been named. When trying to justify particular redactions, Attorney General Pam Bondi cited ‘deliberative-process privilege’, suggesting that internal discussions may still be withheld.

Epstein files fallout widens as global figures, like Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, face renewed scrutiny and questions (Chris Jackson/Staff/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the fallout connected to Epstein continues to extend beyond US politics, drawing international attention as figures linked to the case face growing scrutiny themselves — with the aforementioned former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor being the latest case.

His brother, King Charles, gave an official statement, saying: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office…“What now follows is the full, fair, and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation.”