Wed Jul 23 20:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article rewrite:
**Summary:**
The Justice Department has informed Donald Trump that his name appears in government files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This information was conveyed to Trump in May by Attorney General Pam Bondi, along with the caveat that the files contain unverified hearsay. Despite this, the Trump administration is facing criticism for its handling of the Epstein case, particularly its decision to close the review and withhold further information, citing child pornography and victim privacy. Trump has dismissed the files as a “hoax” and attacked those still interested in the case. Public figures like Elon Musk have also alleged Trump’s presence in the files as a reason for their continued secrecy. Trump has denied any knowledge of Bondi telling him about his name being in the files, despite reports indicating otherwise.
**News Article:**
**Trump’s Name Surfaces in Epstein Files, DOJ Confirms**
**WASHINGTON, D.C.** – Donald Trump’s name appears in government files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, according to sources within the Justice Department. The Wall Street Journal first reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Trump of this fact during a White House meeting in May.
Senior administration officials told the Journal that Trump’s name appears multiple times in the files, which reportedly contain “unverified hearsay” regarding individuals who socialized with Epstein. The Justice Department has declined to release the files publicly, citing the presence of child pornography and personal information belonging to Epstein’s victims.
The revelation comes amidst growing criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein case. Earlier this month, the DOJ and FBI announced the closure of the administration’s review, affirming Epstein’s suicide in jail and denying further release of information. This decision sparked outrage among Trump’s base, who had anticipated greater transparency and additional prosecutions.
Trump has dismissed the Epstein files as a “hoax,” bashed his supporters for caring about the case, and has denied that Bondi ever told him about his name being in the files.
The news follows allegations from figures like Elon Musk, who publicly stated that Trump’s presence in the Epstein files is the reason for their continued secrecy. Trump has a long and complex history with Epstein, having described him as a “terrific guy” in the past.
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