The Epstein files: the House and state investigations

The committee made records public in several releases. In September 2025, it released Justice Department files, many of which were already public.^[16] In November, it released thousands of records from Epstein's estate, including emails showing that he maintained influential connections after his conviction.^[2][17] In December, House Democrats released photographs and videos of his private island home and further photographs from his estate.^[18][19]

Bill and Hillary Clinton initially refused to testify and criticized the investigation as partisan.^[20] After the committee advanced contempt proceedings, they agreed to appear.^[21][22] Hillary Clinton testified in February 2026 that she had no knowledge of Epstein's or Ghislaine Maxwell's crimes.^[23] Bill Clinton said he had seen no signs of Epstein's sexual abuse and had done nothing wrong in their relationship.^[24]

Other witnesses faced questions about their contacts with Epstein and the handling of the files. The committee voted in March to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi.^[25] After leaving office, she defended the department's disclosures in May and refused to answer questions about Trump's involvement in their release.^[26][27] That month, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faced questions about contact with Epstein after his conviction, including a visit to his island in 2012.^[4] In June, Bill Gates called meeting Epstein a grave error in judgment, denied knowledge of his crimes and said Epstein had tried to use information about his infidelities to get close to him.^[3][28]

Billionaire investor Leon Black declined a deposition and sued the committee in September, arguing that its subpoenas exceeded its authority.^[29] The House voted to refer him to the Justice Department for contempt of Congress over his refusal to cooperate.^[30]

New Mexico's investigations focused on Epstein's Zorro Ranch. Lawmakers proposed a truth commission in November 2025.^[31] In February 2026, the state reopened its criminal investigation into alleged illegal activity at the ranch, and investigators searched it in March.^[8][6] The legislative commission issued its first subpoenas in June.^[9] In August, Attorney General Raul Torrez sued the Justice Department and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for refusing to provide unredacted investigative files he said were needed for the state probe.^[7] The commission also issued an interim report that month; its chair said it contained no final findings.^[10] In October, Torrez sued Epstein's attorney, Darren Indyke, and his accountant, Richard Kahn, accusing them of facilitating and concealing his crimes.^[11]