After years of swirling rumors and conspiracy theories, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially declared that financier Jeffrey Epstein did not maintain a secret “client list” and that his death in 2019 was a suicide, not a murder.
In a memo released this week, the DOJ concluded its extensive review of evidence, saying, “This systematic review revealed no incriminating ‘client list.’ There was also no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions.” The statement directly contradicts persistent claims that Epstein held damaging information on influential figures across politics, business, and entertainment.
The department also announced it would not be releasing any new documents related to Epstein’s crimes, citing privacy protections for his victims and sensitive content, including graphic material involving child exploitation.
Epstein, a convicted sex offender, was awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges when he was found dead in his New York jail cell in August 2019. His death ignited a firestorm of conspiracy theories suggesting he was silenced to protect powerful individuals tied to his activities. However, the DOJ has now released 10 hours of jailhouse security footage showing no one entered Epstein’s cell on the day he died.
Despite the official findings, skepticism remains high, particularly among right-wing figures and online commentators. Billionaire Elon Musk reacted to the DOJ’s announcement by posting an image on social media mocking the lack of arrests tied to Epstein’s alleged network. “What’s the time? Oh look, it’s no-one-has-been-arrested-o’clock again,” Musk wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Political figures have also weighed in. Activist Jack Posobiec questioned why Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate who was convicted of aiding his sex trafficking operations, remains in prison if there were supposedly no clients. Robby Starbuck, another conservative commentator, demanded clarity over earlier statements made by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who in February claimed she was reviewing a “client list.”
However, DOJ officials clarified that Bondi was referring broadly to documents related to Epstein’s case, including flight logs and other publicly known materials, not a hidden list of names. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the investigation, emphasizing that while the public wants answers, protecting victim privacy and avoiding further trauma is a priority.
“This administration wants anyone who has ever committed a crime to be held accountable,” Leavitt said during a briefing. “The DOJ committed to an exhaustive investigation. That’s what they did, and they provided the results of that. That’s transparency.”
While the DOJ’s statement aims to bring closure to the case, Epstein’s death and alleged connections continue to fuel debates and speculation. For many, questions remain, ensuring the controversial financier’s name will linger in the public discourse for years to come.
