Former President Donald Trump's name appears in newly released flight logs connected to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender accused of running a vast sex trafficking operation, according to documents made public Thursday by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The files, which include flight records, contact lists, and other materials, represent the first phase of what Bondi described as a broader disclosure effort.
A review of the flight logs by PEOPLE found Trump's name listed seven times. The earliest entry, dated October 11, 1993, appears on page 24 of the documents. Trump was also recorded on a May 15, 1994, flight alongside his then-wife Marla Maples, their daughter Tiffany Trump, and a nanny. Epstein's initials, "JE," appeared on at least three of the same flights as Trump, while "GM," believed to refer to Epstein's longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell, was listed on the 1993 flight.
The release of these records follows Bondi's announcement on Fox News that the Department of Justice was preparing to unseal Epstein-related documents. "What you're going to see ... is a lot of flight logs, a lot of names, a lot of information," Bondi said. She noted that Epstein had more than 250 alleged victims, calling the case "pretty sick."
The appearance of an individual's name in the flight logs does not imply wrongdoing. Many of those listed were likely aboard Epstein's aircraft for social, political, or business purposes. Trump has previously acknowledged knowing Epstein, referring to him as a "terrific guy" in past statements before later saying they had a falling out.
Bondi said the document release is just the beginning. "The first phase of files released today sheds light on Epstein's extensive network and begins to provide the public with long-overdue accountability," she stated.
In addition to flight records, the DOJ unsealed an evidence list, redacted contact book pages, and redacted sections of a masseuse list. However, much of the information had been previously disclosed through court cases and media investigations.
The disclosures have also raised questions about the FBI's handling of the case. In a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, Bondi claimed she had initially received only about 200 pages of documents, including flight logs, contact lists, and victim information. However, she later learned that the FBI's New York field office allegedly possessed "thousands of pages" of Epstein-related investigative materials that had not yet been turned over.
Bondi has demanded that the FBI produce all remaining documents by Friday, February 28, at 8 a.m., and called for Patel to investigate why earlier requests were not fully met.
The release of the records has sparked political debate, with conservative figures expressing disappointment over the content. Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "THIS IS NOT WHAT WE OR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ASKED FOR and a complete disappointment." Conservative commentator Glenn Beck added, "The Epstein files are a total joke. Who is subverting POTUS?"
Epstein, who was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019, died by suicide in a New York jail before he could stand trial. He had previously pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution and served just over a year in prison.
Epstein's longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in 2022 on charges of sex trafficking and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
