In 2014, Jeffrey Epstein approached Michael Wolff, journalist and author, about writing his biography. Initially, Wolff declined this offer, however he agreed to have some conversation with Epstein, who deemed himself as Donald Trump’s ‘closest friend. As he grew increasingly intrigued by their conversations, Wolff began recording them, and when Trump set his presidential campaign in motion, Epstein earned the title of one of Wolff’s valuable sources. Eventually, Michael Wolff accumulates over a 100 hours of taped interviews with Jeffrey Epstein, leading to the exposure of some extremely exploitative and disturbing criminal cases. 

Despite Epstein claiming close friendship with Donald Trump, the pair apparently had a falling out following Trump winning a 2004 bidding war for a Palm Beach house. This brings about the question, how close truly were the pair? Epstein was Wolff’s source, however was he a credible one? Throughout his interviews, Epstein’s main focus rested on defaming Donald Trump, however Jeffrey Epstein was no saint himself. In Florida in 2008, he was convicted “...of procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute in a plea deal that allowed him to escape prosecution for victimizing multiple underage girls, in return for an 18-month sentence”. Despite his criminal reputation, Epstein shockingly and somewhat impressively continued to climb his way up the social ladder. The fact that he received no backlash for the nauseating crimes he committed reveals the flaws of the social hierarchies in our world. Following his release, he began associating with billionaires such as Bill Gates and Leon Black - who even paid him over $150 million for financial advice. Epstein had turned his life around, sitting at the table with the financial and political elite, yet he never let go of his criminal behaviours. In July 2019, the FBI arrested him with a charge of child sex trafficking. Six weeks later, he hung himself in his prison cell. Unfortunately, he got out easy with suicide, never truly understanding the torture he inflicted upon his victims, which arguably should have been a necessary consequence of his vile, gruesome crimes. 

Epstein faced legal consequences in 2008 and 2019, and his friendship, or association, with Trump allegedly only lasted from the 1990s through the early 2000s. So why does the Trump administration deny the release of the Epstein files? Trump’s allegations of misconduct are no secret, however 2 of these cases remain prominent because of their undeniable implication of ulterior, self-serving motives. In 1993, model Stacey Williams accused Trump of groping her at Trump Tower, in the presence of Epstein. Additionally, former Miss Universe contestant Jill Harth alleges that Trump sexually assaulted her in a lawsuit filed in 1997. Coincidentally or not, both of these allegations occur during the time Trump held friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Trump denied these allegations, yet his administration still refuses to comply with the release of Epstein’s files. This raises the question, what revolting information could the files hide? Since 1970, dozens of women have thrown accusations at Donald Trump for sexual misconduct. This is widely known information, which implies that within the Epstein files lies more incriminating and horrifying information, which Trump clearly fears the exposure of. In fact, the Justice Department itself made the decision to close the investigation without exposing what was discovered. Representative Robert Garcia of California even claims Republicans put up a facade of transparency in an attempt to “give cover” to Donald Trump. The harrowing question still lays at hand, what could they be so adamant on covering?

Furthermore, we can also call Trump’s legitimacy as president to question. In May of 2024, a New York Trial court sentenced Trump over a whopping 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. This occurred in the more recent years, however when looking into past records clear examples are shown of further criminal activity. Most relevant, his discrimination against black renters in the 1970s, his dozens of sexual misconduct allegations, and in April of 2016 he was even accused of raping a 13 year old female. His absolute abundance of conniving acts is no short of utterly disturbing. Donald Trump is the first United States president with a criminal conviction --- a title which should be held with shame. His possession of multiple counts against him is no coincidence, rather a pattern which is so evident it should be recognized by all. Criminals who are found guilty, such as Trump, go to jail or prison, and are only released on parole. Can one be trusted to lead a country? Does one have the proper qualifications and ethics to hold the power that comes with this title? Trump’s presidency reflects a broader concept of ignorance throughout the United States, as well as this it truly serves as a reminder of how flawed our judicial system is. Our president should reflect the morals and values this country was built upon: justice, equality, and freedom. His past, and likely current, actions with racism, harassment, and fraud reflect quite the opposite. Should the great United States of America truly be represented with such a dishonorable figure? Clearly not, and people seem to agree, because Trump was impeached twice in his single term in office. Yet, he remains our president today, serving even his second term. His astonishingly strong hold on his position is truly terrifying, raising many doubts within the purity of our government and if they truly have the intention of working for the people. 

In short, ongoing trials and petitions continue to give prevalence to this highly controversial case. However, the effects of all the information remaining undisclosed consists of detrimental consequences to the youth today and society as a whole. The Trump Administration’s failure to release the files itself serves as a form of censorship. It obstructs knowledge and inhibits informed discussion, as well as this, people should know who they voted for.  There is substantial evidence proving the files hold distressing knowledge, and according to our justice system it is essential for those responsible for sickening offenses to face consequences; yet our president, the man who supposedly reflects our country’s values and priorities, faces little to none backlash despite having such strong affiliation with such repulsing faults. As well as this, the Corporate Transparency Act is intended to provide law enforcement with beneficial ownership information for the purpose of detecting, preventing and punishing terrorism, money laundering and other misconduct through business entities.  However, the failure to release the Epstein files, which surely contain disturbing information about misconduct through business entities, violates this act and allows for the perpetrators to escape without necessary punishment. This in turn breaks societies trust with the justice system, because why shouldn’t the elite live by the same rules everyone else does? All in all, the situation serves ground for violent rebellion, protests, and demand for change.

This Article was edited by Amaan Musani.