By Harshit
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 —
Oversized Trump Check Image Draws Fresh Scrutiny
A newly released batch of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents has reignited controversy after including a photograph showing Epstein holding an oversized cheque for $22,500, styled to resemble a payment from Donald Trump.
The cheque, which appears to bear a signature reading “DJ TRUMP” in the bottom-right corner, closely resembles an image previously released by the US House Oversight Committee in September. That earlier image was accompanied by a caption suggesting Epstein had sold a “fully depreciated” property to Trump for the same amount.
The White House has firmly denied the authenticity of the signature. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously told reporters that the signature shown is “absolutely not” President Trump’s.
In the latest release, however, the image has been partially redacted, with a black rectangle covering part of Epstein’s name and the cheque amount—raising further questions about transparency.
Redactions and Transparency Concerns
The Department of Justice released data sets six and seven on Friday as part of the long-awaited Epstein files disclosure, but critics say the documents remain heavily redacted, with entire pages obscured and key names concealed.
Democrats argue the redactions violate the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates full disclosure. The Justice Department has defended the approach, stating it has “erred on the side of redacting to protect victims.”
Several previously released files include photographs without context—no dates, locations, or explanations—leaving their significance unclear and fueling speculation online.
Pam Bondi Under Fire Again
Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing renewed criticism after releasing what lawmakers estimate to be roughly 1% of the full Epstein archive, which reportedly totals more than 300 gigabytes.
Bondi, who served as Florida attorney general from 2011 to 2019, has long faced questions about whether Epstein could have been prosecuted during her tenure, given that his primary residence was in Florida.
Earlier this year, Bondi said during a Fox News interview that a supposed Epstein “client list” was “on her desk,” a claim later walked back by the Department of Justice, which said no such list exists.
During a tense Senate hearing in October, Bondi declined to answer whether the files flagged anything related to Trump, prompting sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers.
Despite the backlash, Trump has publicly defended Bondi, urging supporters not to “waste time and energy” on Epstein-related speculation.
Lawmakers Move Toward Impeachment
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna, who co-authored the transparency bill alongside Republican Thomas Massie, said lawmakers are drafting articles of impeachment against Bondi.
“This was in no way complying with the spirit of the law,” Khanna said, adding that frustration extends beyond Democrats to Trump supporters as well.
Another Democrat, Representative Suhas Subramanyam, said he believes the law was broken, accusing the Justice Department of selectively releasing material that protects certain political figures.
Famous Faces in the Files
Among the newly released images are photos of Epstein with several high-profile figures, including:
- Bill Clinton, seen in multiple images, including poolside photographs
- Mick Jagger, pictured with Clinton
- Michael Jackson, appearing in group images
- Peter Mandelson, photographed with Epstein and a large birthday cake
- Ghislaine Maxwell, seen in multiple locations, including outside 10 Downing Street
The Justice Department and media outlets have repeatedly stressed that being named or pictured in the files does not imply wrongdoing.
Richard Branson Photo Resurfaces
One newly released image shows Epstein with British entrepreneur Richard Branson at what appears to be a tropical location. Two women in the background have had their faces redacted.
Branson’s representatives reiterated previous statements rejecting allegations made by Epstein accuser Sarah Ransome, whose claims were later disputed but remain contentious.
Survivors Demand Full Disclosure
Epstein survivors and their advocates have voiced growing frustration. Liz Stein said victims fear a “slow rollout of incomplete information without context.”
Human rights lawyer Helena Kennedy acknowledged the need to protect victims but suggested a case-by-case consent process to allow fuller transparency where possible.
For many survivors, the partial release is both validating and painful—offering confirmation of long-dismissed allegations while reopening decades-old trauma.
What Happens Next
The Justice Department has said more files may still be released, but lawmakers say trust has eroded. Whether additional disclosures will reduce redactions—or deepen political and legal fallout—remains uncertain.
For now, the Epstein files continue to expose not only the financier’s global network, but also the enduring tensions between transparency, politics, and justice.