During his second day of hearings, the FBI Director encountered rigorous questioning from Congress regarding the management and disclosure of documents connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The proceedings were characterized by Patel’s consistent unwillingness to directly confirm if President Donald Trump’s name is present in the Epstein documents, alongside efforts by certain Democratic legislators to paint him as contradictory.
Democratic Representative Dan Goldman questioned Patel, asking, “Why are you not approaching a court, as you did for the grand jury testimony?” This was part of an inquiry into whether grand jury directives permitted the FBI to release additional materials. Goldman added, “You are concealing the Epstein documents, Mr. Patel. You are implicated in the concealment.”
During the hearing, Patel pledged to disclose all information that was “lawfully permissible” to be made public.
These documents have incited debate even among dedicated MAGA proponents, particularly following a Wall Street Journal report claiming Trump supposedly for his 50th birthday. The President and initiated legal action against the Journal’s parent entities, Dow Jones and News Corp, its proprietor Rupert Murdoch, and two journalists.
Earlier this month, the House Oversight Committee made public the birthday letter, which depicts a woman’s silhouette.
Below is a summary of what has been stated concerning the Epstein documents thus far:
Patel declined to respond to inquiries regarding Trump and the Epstein documents
Throughout the hearing, Patel avoided direct responses to questions posed by Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell of California concerning the presence of Trump’s name in the files. He stated that he has never discussed the files themselves with the President.
Patel also whether he had notified the Attorney General about the President’s name being potentially listed in the files.
No “reliable evidence” suggests Epstein trafficked girls to individuals other than himself
For an extended period, speculative theories have indicated that Epstein transported victims to other affluent or influential individuals. Patel refuted these assertions, stating that no proof backs them.
“There is no trustworthy information—none whatsoever,” Patel informed Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana. “Had there been, I would have pursued charges yesterday concerning his trafficking to other persons.”
Patel subsequently explained that his statements were solely based on the FBI’s existing documentation. He added, “We have consistently appealed to the public to provide additional information; if it exists, we will examine it.”
Judicial bodies prevent him from disclosing the Epstein documents
Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland questioned Patel intently about the incomplete release of the files.
Patel maintained that “all materials legally authorized for release have been disclosed.” He further explained that officials depend on search warrants and other documents dating from the 2000s and are bound by federal court regulations.
“I will not violate the law merely to satisfy your inquisitiveness,” Patel stated to Raskin.
Legislators also presented excerpts of Patel’s prior remarks, such as a December 2023 interview where he urged, “put on your big boy pants and let us know who the pedophiles are.” In a separate recording, he pointed out that Epstein’s black book was under the “direct authority of the FBI director.”
An inquiry into the Epstein estate will be launched by him
Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz of Florida urged an investigation into the Epstein estate following the disclosure of the Epstein birthday letter, citing the release of a “fabricated document bearing the president’s signature, connecting him to the globe’s most extensive pedophile network.” Moskowitz additionally highlighted the President’s repeated disclaimers.
“Certainly, I will proceed with that,” Patel responded.
