Months before fresh questions about the Jeffrey Epstein case bubbled back into the headlines, Donald Trump was already told his name had surfaced repeatedly in the newly unsealed documents.
According to a new report, it was none other than Attorney General Pam Bondi who flagged the matter during a meeting in May 2025.
But it didn’t end there. In the same conversation, Bondi reportedly advised the former president against releasing all of the Epstein-related files, warning that the materials contained disturbing content like child pornography and sensitive victim information.
Bondi Warned About What the Files Contained
Senior officials say the meeting between Bondi and Trump was part of a broader national security and legal update — not a sit-down focused solely on Epstein.
Still, Bondi allegedly made it clear that Trump’s name came up “multiple times” in the Epstein documents — more than had previously been assumed.
However, it’s important to note: these mentions were described as “unverified hearsay” involving Trump and others who were socially connected to Epstein.
In short, there was no suggestion of any criminal wrongdoing by Trump, according to insiders.
Administration Urged Caution Over Public Release
Bondi wasn’t acting alone in this. Reports suggest she and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche both advised against a blanket release of the remaining Epstein documents.
The reasoning? Aside from damaging hearsay, some of the materials reportedly included illegal content and deeply personal victim data.
The pair also told the Wall Street Journal that there was nothing in the files that would trigger an investigation into Trump or require legal action.
Trump, for his part, supposedly left the decision about releasing more files entirely in Bondi’s hands.
Trump Publicly Denies Hearing His Name Was Flagged
When pressed by a reporter on July 15 after another meeting with Bondi, Trump dismissed the suggestion that his name came up in the files at all.
“No, no,” he responded quickly when asked whether Bondi had brought it up.
He then downplayed the entire briefing, saying it was “very quick” and turned the focus toward former FBI Director James Comey, accusing him of “making up” the files — a jab tied to Trump’s ongoing claims about past investigations into his conduct.
Trump Allies Call Report ‘Fake News’
The Trump team wasted no time slamming the Wall Street Journal’s story.
Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, outright labeled it “fake news” and claimed it was another politically motivated smear.
“This is nothing more than a continuation of the fake news stories concocted by the Democrats and the liberal media,” Cheung told the Daily Mail, citing previous narratives like the Russia investigation and insisting Trump had distanced himself from Epstein years ago.
“The President kicked him out of his club for being a creep,” he added.
Trump’s Name Already Linked to Epstein Circles
This isn’t the first time Trump’s name has appeared in connection with Epstein.
His name was previously listed in Epstein’s infamous “black book” along with multiple members of his family — including his former wives Ivana and Marla, children Ivanka, Eric, and Tiffany, and even his brother Robert.
He was also previously reported to have flown on Epstein’s private jet, though again, there’s been no formal allegation or charge tying him to Epstein’s criminal activities.
Justice Department Calls Briefing Standard Procedure
According to the Justice Department, the May meeting where Trump was informed of his name appearing in the Epstein files was just part of a routine legal update — not an emergency or red-flag moment.
In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, Bondi and Blanche reiterated that nothing they found pointed to any need for further action, and that the decision not to release more files was grounded in protecting victims and avoiding the spread of illegal content.
What’s Next?
While Trump’s team is pushing back hard against the implications of the report, and no legal action is currently being taken, the mere mention of his name in this context is likely to fuel continued scrutiny — especially as election season heats up.
For now, the Justice Department has not announced any new steps, and Bondi’s office hasn’t offered further public comment.
But the ripple effects from the Epstein files — and who’s mentioned in them — are far from over.