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Bannon’s Epstein Communications Exposed as Clinton Demands Full File Release

Updated (198 articles)
  • Hillary Clinton speaks to the BBC on 16 February 2026 and Donald Trump speaks to members of the media aboard Air Force One while flying from Palm Beach International Airport on February 16, 2026 en route to Washington, DC.
    Hillary Clinton speaks to the BBC on 16 February 2026 and Donald Trump speaks to members of the media aboard Air Force One while flying from Palm Beach International Airport on February 16, 2026 en route to Washington, DC.
    Image: Newsweek
    Hillary Clinton speaks to the BBC on 16 February 2026 and Donald Trump speaks to members of the media aboard Air Force One while flying from Palm Beach International Airport on February 16, 2026 en route to Washington, DC. Source Full size
  • Hillary Clinton speaks to the BBC on 16 February 2026 and Donald Trump speaks to members of the media aboard Air Force One while flying from Palm Beach International Airport on February 16, 2026 en route to Washington, DC.
    Hillary Clinton speaks to the BBC on 16 February 2026 and Donald Trump speaks to members of the media aboard Air Force One while flying from Palm Beach International Airport on February 16, 2026 en route to Washington, DC.
    Image: Newsweek
    Hillary Clinton speaks to the BBC on 16 February 2026 and Donald Trump speaks to members of the media aboard Air Force One while flying from Palm Beach International Airport on February 16, 2026 en route to Washington, DC. Source Full size

DOJ releases over 3.5 million pages, revealing Bannon’s Epstein contacts The Justice Department disclosed more than 3.5 million pages under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, including dozens of texts between Steve Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein that discuss political strategy and a proposed “take‑down” of Pope Francis [2][1]. The releases show Bannon advised Epstein on navigating federal regulations and media platforms, contradicting his public claim that his interactions were solely for a documentary project [1]. Analysts note the volume of material confirms that Bannon’s involvement was far broader than previously acknowledged [2].

Bannon publicly urged release while privately appearing in the files During February 9 broadcasts of “War Room” on Real America’s Voice, Bannon called for the public to demand the Epstein documents but omitted any mention of his own communications, a silence highlighted by CNN’s review [1]. He later told The New York Times that he had captured 50 hours of footage for a documentary, framing the texts as part of that effort [1]. Despite the controversy, his show continues with high‑profile guests, indicating his platform remains influential [1].

MAGA allies and congressional leaders demand full transparency Republican figures Laura Loomer, Michael Flynn and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly pressed Bannon to be “100 % forthcoming” about his Epstein relationship [1]. Meanwhile, House Oversight members, including Rep. Thomas Massie, have urged the DOJ to release internal memos and other undisclosed materials, arguing the current disclosures are incomplete [2]. The partisan clash intensifies as Democrats cite the releases as evidence of a broader cover‑up [2].

Clinton condemns alleged cover‑up while Trump claims exoneration In a BBC interview from Berlin, Hillary Clinton accused the Trump administration of “slow‑walking” the Epstein disclosures and called for full public release of all related files [2]. President Donald Trump responded from Air Force One, asserting he is “totally exonerated” and has “nothing to hide” regarding Epstein [2]. The White House defended its record, noting thousands of pages have already been released and that the administration cooperated with the House subpoena [2].

Bill and Hillary Clinton agree to testify before House Oversight The Clintons will appear before the committee, marking the first former president’s testimony since the 1980s, after a threatened contempt vote was dropped [2]. Their testimony is expected to focus on the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein files and alleged obstruction [2]. This development adds a new layer of scrutiny to the ongoing investigation into the Justice Department’s transparency [2].

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Timeline

2005 – Palm Beach police open a probe after a family reports a 14‑year‑old girl was molested at Jeffrey Epstein’s mansion, launching the first official investigation into his alleged abuse of minors [18].

June 2008 – Epstein pleads guilty to state prostitution charges and receives an 18‑month sentence, later serving most of it in a work‑release program, a deal later criticized as overly lenient [18].

2009 – Virginia Giuffre files a civil suit alleging Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell arranged sexual encounters with prominent figures, intensifying public scrutiny of the case [18].

July 6, 2019 – Federal agents arrest Epstein on federal sex‑trafficking charges, reigniting the investigation and prompting the resignation of Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta days later [18].

2019 – Bill Gates acknowledges an affair with a Microsoft employee and later says “each minute spent with Epstein was regrettable,” expressing remorse for any interaction with the financier [4].

February 2019 – Epstein emails Noam Chomsky asking whether to “defend myself” or “ignore” the “putrid” media narrative; Chomsky replies that the best course is to “ignore the press” and laments “the horrible way” Epstein is treated [3].

December 2012 – Elon Musk asks “What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?” and seeks to “hit the party scene in St Barts,” contradicting his later claim of never visiting Epstein’s island [1].

July 2013 – Two draft emails appear to be written by Epstein to Bill Gates, prompting a Gates spokesperson to call the claims “absurd and completely false” [1].

2013 – Richard Branson replies to Epstein’s thank‑you note with “Any time you’re in the area would love to see you. As long as you bring your harem!” later clarified as referring to three adult team members [1].

2013 – Bank statements reveal $75,000 payments to accounts linked to Lord Mandelson; Mandelson announces he will step down from the House of Lords, reiterating he was never complicit [1].

2023 – In a Wall Street Journal interview, Chomsky downplays his connection to Epstein, saying the first response to inquiries is “it is none of your business” and that he met Epstein only occasionally [3].

July 2025 – The Epstein Files Transparency Act is introduced in Congress, aiming to force full public disclosure of government records related to Epstein and Maxwell [18].

November 2025 – The bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act passes both chambers of Congress, setting a Dec 19, 2025 deadline for the Justice Department to release the files [18].

December 19, 2025 – The Justice Department posts the first massive batch of Epstein files, including photos of former President Bill Clinton on Epstein’s plane and in a hot tub; Trump later says the images “damage innocent people’s reputations” [19][20][26][27].

December 22, 2025 – At Mar‑a‑Lago, Trump decries the releases, calling them “a distraction” and asserting that many people were simply “around Epstein” and that the photos “are being used to deflect from my achievements” [17].

December 23, 2025 – Republican Rep. Thomas Massie criticizes the DOJ, saying it “should quit protecting the powerful” as bipartisan backlash grows over the handling of the releases [16].

December 24, 2025 – The DOJ announces it has uncovered over a million additional Epstein documents, noting “never‑before‑seen” Clinton photos and evidence that Trump flew on Epstein’s private plane in the 1990s [14].

December 24, 2025 – DOJ officials request volunteer AUSAs in Florida to assist with redactions, signaling that more documents may be released over the holiday period [15].

December 25, 2025 – Ghislaine Maxwell files a pro se petition to vacate or amend her 20‑year sentence, arguing new evidence from civil cases undermines her conviction [23].

December 28, 2025 – (Planned) The Justice Department expects to complete the remaining Epstein document production by year‑end, after the initial wave of releases [5].

January 9, 2026 – Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie write to a federal judge urging the appointment of a “special master and independent monitor” to oversee the DOJ’s Epstein‑files release, citing missed deadlines and inconsistent redactions [12].

January 13‑14, 2026 – A video shows President Trump flipping off a heckler at a Detroit plant; White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defends the gesture as “appropriate and unambiguous” [11].

January 28, 2026 – Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche files a court letter stating the DOJ has made “substantial progress” reviewing millions of pages and expects a near‑term release, though no exact date is set [10].

January 30, 2026 – The DOJ uploads more than 3 million document pages, 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, describing the effort as “unprecedented” and promising further releases after court guidance [7][8][9].

February 3, 2026 – After victims report that unredacted nude photos and identifying details remain online, the DOJ removes thousands of files, attributing the breach to “technical or human error” and pledging a thorough review [5].

February 4, 2026 – Melinda French Gates tells NPR the newly released files cause “unbelievable sadness” and revive “very, very painful times” in her marriage, emphasizing that unanswered questions belong to those named, including her ex‑husband [4][6].

February 5, 2026 – Victim‑rights lawyers describe the exposure of unredacted nude images as “irreparable” harm, with Brad Edwards stating the damage is “irreparable” and Ashley Rubright calling it “a huge violation” of survivors’ privacy [2].

February 5, 2026 – The Chomsky‑Epstein email exchange reappears in the latest batch; Chomsky’s reply urges Epstein to “ignore the press” amid what he calls “hysteria” about abuse [3].

February 11, 2026 – New DOJ files reveal Musk’s 2012‑13 island‑party emails and show Bill Gates, former President Trump and other elites in the roster; Musk posts that the messages “could be used to smear my name” while focusing on prosecuting serious crimes [1].

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