15.02.2026 10:00
The U.S. Department of Justice's publication of a list of politically influential individuals mentioned in the Epstein files has sparked controversy; the list includes not only deceased celebrities like Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Ronald Reagan, and Fidel Castro, but also well-known figures such as Bill Clinton and Les Wexner, which has fueled speculation.
The publication of the "list of politically influential individuals" included in the Jeffrey Epstein files by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has resonated widely in the foreign press. However, the lack of any context regarding how and why the names on the list appeared in the files has increased commentary and criticism.
NAMES WITHOUT CONTEXT SPARKED REACTIONS
The DOJ stated in a six-page letter sent to Congress that it has listed all "government officials and politically influential individuals" mentioned in the Epstein files. However, the letter does not provide any explanation of how the names are included in the documents; instead, it notes that the names may have been mentioned in some correspondence, media reports, or communication networks. This approach has been criticized, especially with the inclusion of figures who have already passed away many years ago in the files.
FAMOUS AND HISTORICAL FIGURES WERE ALSO INCLUDED
According to a report by the New York Post, the list includes famous individuals who have long since passed away, such as Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley, as well as politicians like former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. It is stated that these individuals do not have a direct connection to Epstein, but are only mentioned in the documents of the files.
CRITICISMS ARE FOCUSING ON "MEANINGLESS LIST"
Members of Congress and analysts argue that such lists without context will lead to unnecessary speculation in the public. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed her reaction by stating that even the mention of her name in the files is due to its appearance in unrelated news, not because of any relationship with Epstein. Greene noted that it is "confusing" for former artists, politicians, and her name to be on the same list.
Similarly, Representative Ro Khanna argued that even the inclusion of names with no connection to Epstein in the same context "murkies the waters." According to Khanna, the appearance of music icons and former leaders side by side has the potential to create false impressions.
EXPERTS SAY "THE INCLUSION OF NAMES DOES NOT INDICATE ACCUSATION"
Expert analysts emphasize that the listing of names in the files does not automatically indicate an accusation. Many names are listed as individuals whose names appeared in Epstein's communication network or media reports; this does not mean a concrete criminal allegation. This type of lack of context can lead to misinterpretation of the lists in the media.
The lack of context in the list published by the DOJ has generated criticism in the foreign press and political circles. The prominent reaction is that even the inclusion of historical figures in the same context makes it difficult to conduct understandable and accurate analysis in light of the information. This situation has once again brought to the forefront the importance of transparency demands regarding the files and the legal context.