A Democratic member of Congress has publicly asserted that recently reviewed records connected to Jeffrey Epstein show former U.S. President Donald Trump had direct knowledge of alleged criminal conduct linked to Epstein, including recruitment activity tied to Trump-owned property.
Speaking on The Weekend, Representative Melanie Stanbury, who previously served on a congressional oversight panel reviewing Epstein-related materials, said she personally examined files released over the weekend and found repeated references to Trump within sworn statements, correspondence, and legal filings.
“Donald Trump is not only named over and over in them,” Stanbury said. “There is discussion of a case in which he was subpoenaed and gave a deposition in connection with allegations of sexual assault involving a minor.”
Subpoenas, Depositions, and Correspondence
According to Stanbury, the records include documentation of Trump being subpoenaed in at least one Epstein-related civil proceeding, as well as email correspondence involving Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and third parties discussing Trump’s interactions with Epstein.
Stanbury said the files also reference communications in which Epstein suggested he possessed photographs of Trump in the company of underage individuals—claims that remain unadjudicated but are part of the documentary record reviewed by investigators.
“These are not rumors,” Stanbury said. “These are sworn statements, depositions, and contemporaneous emails.”
Allegations Tied to Mar-a-Lago Recruitment
One of the most serious assertions raised by Stanbury involves claims that at least one accuser was recruited while at Mar‑a‑Lago, Trump’s private Florida resort. Stanbury said emails in the file suggest Epstein was aware of recruitment activity taking place at the property and believed Trump had knowledge of it.
She pointed to previously disclosed emails referencing Trump as “the only one who hasn’t barked,” which she interpreted as suggesting Trump had not intervened despite awareness of the conduct alleged.
“The implication in these records is that Trump knew recruitment was occurring and did not act,” Stanbury said.
No Criminal Conviction, But Legal Exposure Remains
Trump has not been convicted of any crime related to Epstein, and he has previously denied wrongdoing, stating that he cut ties with Epstein years before the financier’s arrest. No current criminal charges have been filed against Trump in connection with the Epstein investigation.
However, legal analysts note that the existence of subpoenas, depositions, and sworn testimony can carry significant implications in civil litigation, congressional inquiries, and historical accountability—even absent criminal prosecution.
Renewed Scrutiny of Public Officials
Stanbury said the renewed attention to the files underscores unresolved questions about institutional accountability and the role of powerful figures in enabling or ignoring abuse.
“This is about who knew what, and when,” she said. “And the records show that Donald Trump knew far more than has ever been publicly acknowledged.”
Trump’s representatives have not responded to Stanbury’s remarks as of publication
