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Sunday 22/02/2026

New Epstein Emails Intensify Scrutiny on Trump Amid Government Shutdown Resolution

Emails linking Trump to Epstein's activities
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Newly released emails suggest Donald Trump was aware of Jeffrey Epstein's activities, increasing pressure on the White House.
  • Democrats on the House oversight committee released emails implicating Trump, while Republicans accused them of "cherrypicking."
  • The US government shutdown, the longest in history, is set to end with a new bill passed by the House.
  • Trump threatens legal action against the BBC over a Panorama edit, claiming it defrauded the public.
  • The White House press secretary dismissed the Epstein allegations, emphasizing the administration's transparency.

In a series of developments that have captured the attention of both political and public spheres, newly released emails suggest former President Donald Trump was aware of the activities of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. These revelations come as the US government shutdown, the longest in history, is poised to end following a bipartisan agreement in the House of Representatives.

Epstein Emails and Political Fallout

On Wednesday, Democrats on the House oversight committee released a batch of emails indicating Trump's knowledge of Epstein's conduct. One email from Epstein himself stated, "of course [Trump] knew about the girls," referring to the victims of Epstein's sex-trafficking ring. This disclosure has intensified calls for the full release of the so-called Epstein files, which reportedly contain further details of the scandal.

In response, the Republican majority on the committee released 23,000 documents, accusing Democrats of selectively releasing information to generate media attention. Trump, addressing the issue on his Truth Social platform, dismissed the emails as a "hoax" and urged Republicans to focus on reopening the government.

Government Shutdown Nears Resolution

The House of Representatives has passed a bill to end the 42-day government shutdown, a move that President Trump is expected to sign. The legislation, negotiated by Republicans and a group of Democrat-aligned senators, restarts federal operations but excludes the healthcare funding demanded by the minority party.

BBC Legal Threat and Press Briefing

In a separate development, Trump has threatened to sue the BBC over an edited Panorama segment, claiming it misrepresented his speech. The BBC is reportedly preparing a formal apology, though it believes it could win a court battle if Trump proceeds with his $1 billion lawsuit.

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt faced tough questions during a press briefing, where she dismissed the Epstein allegations and emphasized the administration's commitment to transparency. Leavitt stated, "This administration has done more with respect to transparency when it comes to Jeffrey Epstein than any administration ever."

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The release of these emails could lead to increased scrutiny on Trump, potentially impacting his political ambitions and legal standing. If the full Epstein files are released, they may reveal further details that could sway public opinion and influence upcoming elections. The resolution of the government shutdown may provide temporary relief, but the underlying partisan tensions remain unresolved. As for the BBC legal threat, it could set a precedent for how media organizations handle high-profile legal challenges from political figures.