Freshly released US Justice Department documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have reignited global controversy, revealing unsettling details about his proximity to powerful and influential figures. Among the most striking disclosures are images showing renowned linguist and public intellectual Noam Chomsky seated with Epstein on what appears to be a private aircraft, alongside records indicating repeated interactions years after Epstein&rsquo;s first conviction.
The documents suggest that Chomsky maintained what he himself described as &ldquo;regular contact&rdquo; with Epstein, meeting him several times between 2015 and 2016. In emails now public, Chomsky called the association a &ldquo;most valuable experience,&rdquo; citing long discussions on &ldquo;science and politics.&rdquo; Financial records pointing to a transfer of roughly $270,000 from an Epstein-linked account to Chomsky later raised questions, though Chomsky insisted the money was his own, moved for a technical matter related to his late wife&rsquo;s estate, and said it did not involve &ldquo;one penny&rdquo; from Epstein.
The files also include deeply disturbing testimony relating to Epstein&rsquo;s abuse of a minor, referred to as Jane Doe. One account alleges that Epstein introduced the 14-year-old to Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, saying, &ldquo;This is a good one, right?&rdquo; to which Trump allegedly &ldquo;smiled&rdquo; and &ldquo;nodded.&rdquo; The documents describe years of repeated abuse across Epstein&rsquo;s properties in Florida, New York and New Mexico, often involving travel on his private jet. Trump has not commented on the specific claims referenced in the documents.
Despite the scale of the release, lawmakers from across party lines have criticised the disclosures as incomplete, pointing to extensive redactions that obscure key testimony. Critics argue the release falls short of transparency promised under the law mandating publication of the files, while survivors&rsquo; advocates say the documents once again highlight how power and privilege shielded Epstein for decades. As pressure mounts for fuller disclosure, the revelations continue to deepen public anger and mistrust over how justice was delayed and denied in one of the most notorious abuse cases in modern history.

New DOJ disclosures revive scrutiny of Epstein’s ties to powerful figures

Justice Delayed, Power Protected

New DOJ disclosures revive scrutiny of Epstein’s ties to powerful figures

December 20, 2025 | 23:44 IST