Newly Released DOJ Epstein Files Reveal Unpublished Interviews and Fresh Political Allegations

Author : Aswin Anil


The latest release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files by the US Department of Justice has opened a new chapter in one of the most disturbing scandals of recent decades. The disclosure includes millions of documents, thousands of still photographs, and hundreds of hours of video, much of which had never previously been made public.

Among the most striking material are previously unreleased video interviews believed to have been conducted by Steve Bannon, the former adviser to Donald Trump and prominent right-wing political commentator. According to sources familiar with the release, the DOJ archive contains up to 15 hours of recorded conversations between Epstein and an interviewer, with at least a couple of hours now accessible to investigators and journalists.

Epstein Defends His Wealth in Unearthed Footage

In one segment of the footage now circulating, Epstein openly discusses his status as a convicted sex offender while attempting to justify the origins of his wealth. When challenged on whether his money should be considered “dirty,” Epstein firmly denies the accusation.

“No, it’s not,” Epstein says when asked if his money is tainted. Pressed further on how he earned it, he responds that he earned it “honestly,” despite acknowledging that he advised individuals he himself describes as “the worst people in the world.”

The exchange quickly turns philosophical, with Epstein arguing that ethical questions surrounding money are complex. He claims that funds he donated to global health initiatives—particularly efforts to eradicate polio in Pakistan and India—should be judged by their outcomes rather than their source.

Instead of questioning whether such money should be accepted, Epstein argues, critics should ask the mothers of vaccinated children whether those funds saved lives. In a provocative comparison, he suggests that even if “the devil himself” offered money in exchange for saving a child’s life, parents would accept it.

Throughout the exchange, Epstein appears self-aware yet defensive, at times deflecting moral responsibility while acknowledging his criminal past. The footage provides a rare, unfiltered look at Epstein’s mindset years after his conviction and before his death in 2019.

Political Figures Appear in Newly Released Documents

Beyond the interviews, the DOJ release also includes documents relating to Lord Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to Washington and senior Labour figure. Mandelson was dismissed from his ambassadorial role last November for failing to fully disclose the extent of his past association with Epstein.

The newly surfaced materials include what appear to be bank statements showing payments from Epstein totaling $75,000 over a two-year period in 2003 and 2004. According to the documents:

  • A $25,000 payment was allegedly made to Rinaldo Aila da Silva, Mandelson’s husband, with Mandelson listed as a beneficiary.

  • Two further payments of $25,000 each appear to list Lord Mandelson directly as the recipient, bringing the total to $75,000.

The files also reference a $10,000 loan reportedly given by Epstein to Mandelson’s husband in 2009 to fund osteopathy training. Additionally, emails included in the release suggest that Mandelson later told Epstein he was attempting to soften UK government regulations on bankers’ bonuses—following a request from Epstein himself.

Disputed Evidence and Denials

Alongside financial documents, the DOJ release contains still photographs allegedly showing Mandelson wearing only a T-shirt and underpants while speaking with a woman dressed in a bathrobe. The woman’s identity has been concealed, and no information has been provided about when, where, or by whom the image was taken.

A spokesperson for Mandelson stated that he has no knowledge of the photograph’s origin and denies any connection between the image and Epstein.

Mandelson has strongly disputed the authenticity of the alleged bank statements, raising multiple concerns. In comments to Sky News, he cited what he described as false attribution of a US Social Security number, questionable dollar-denominated transactions into UK banks, incorrect beneficiary details, spelling errors, and formatting inconsistencies.

He has called on JP Morgan to confirm on the record whether the documents and individual checks are authentic. Until such verification occurs, Mandelson maintains that he has no recollection or record of receiving the funds and insists the statements are false.

Broader Impact of the Release

The DOJ release is likely to intensify scrutiny of Epstein’s vast network of political, financial, and social connections. While many documents remain unverified and subject to ongoing fact-checking, their sheer volume underscores the scale of Epstein’s influence and the number of prominent figures who intersected with him over decades.

Legal experts caution that the appearance of documents in DOJ archives does not automatically confirm their authenticity or accuracy. However, investigators and journalists are expected to spend months examining the files for corroboration and context.

A Scandal That Refuses to Fade

More than four years after Epstein’s death in a New York jail, revelations continue to emerge that challenge institutions, reputations, and political narratives on both sides of the Atlantic. The newly released interviews provide rare insight into Epstein’s own attempts to rationalize his actions, while the documents involving senior political figures highlight unresolved questions about accountability.

As verification efforts continue, the Epstein case remains a reminder that the full story—of power, money, and abuse—may still be far from complete.