Fresh disclosures from U.S. government files related to Jeffrey Epstein have caused political fallout across Europe. In Slovakia, a senior official stepped down following revelations of past contact with Epstein, while in the United Kingdom renewed pressure has emerged for Prince Andrew to share what he knows with U.S. authorities investigating Epstein’s ties to powerful figures.
Resignation follows document release
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accepted the resignation of National Security Adviser Miroslav Lajcak, a former foreign minister who previously served as president of the U.N. General Assembly. Lajcak has not been accused of wrongdoing.
However, recently disclosed photos and emails showed that Lajcak met with Epstein in the years after Epstein was released from jail. The revelations sparked political pressure from opposition parties and nationalist factions within the governing coalition, ultimately leading to his departure.
Calls grow for Prince Andrew to cooperate
The disclosures have also renewed scrutiny of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, a long-time associate of Epstein. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the former prince should share whatever information he has with U.S. investigators.
Prince Andrew has so far ignored a request from members of the U.S. House Oversight Committee for a transcribed interview regarding his long-standing relationship with Epstein.
Trump: “The files clear me”
U.S. President Donald Trump commented publicly on the document release for the first time, framing the disclosures as vindication. Speaking to reporters while traveling to Florida, Trump said he had been told by senior figures that the documents not only absolve him but undermine claims made by his political opponents.
The U.S. Justice Department announced that more than 3 million pages of records, along with thousands of videos and images, would be made public under a transparency law covering decades of Epstein-related investigations.
High-profile names in correspondence
The released files include material detailing Epstein’s friendship with Prince Andrew and email correspondence with political, business and philanthropic figures. Among those referenced are former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch, and prominent billionaires including Bill Gates and Elon Musk.
Other documents provide insight into multiple investigations, including those that led to Epstein’s sex trafficking charges in 2019 and the conviction of his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell in 2021.
Draft indictment sheds light on abuse
Newly disclosed records show that the FBI began investigating Epstein in 2006 and that prosecutors were preparing a federal indictment in 2007 after multiple underage girls reported being paid for sexualized massages.
A draft indictment indicated that charges were being considered not only against Epstein but also against three of his personal assistants. Interview notes released with the files describe disturbing details provided by staff at Epstein’s Florida residence.
Ultimately, Epstein avoided federal prosecution after reaching a controversial plea deal that resulted in an 18-month state jail sentence.
Criticism over redactions
The Justice Department has faced criticism over how the records were released. Epstein survivors said the documents made victims easier to identify while leaving potential accomplices shielded.
Lawmakers have also raised concerns over inconsistent redactions, noting that some names were visible in certain copies of documents but blacked out in others.
Epstein case remains unresolved
Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial. In 2021, Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison for helping recruit underage victims.
No additional individuals have been charged in connection with Epstein’s crimes. One of Epstein’s accusers, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, previously sued Prince Andrew. He denied the allegations and later settled the case without admitting wrongdoing.
