Donald Trump Listed on Jeffrey Epstein’s Private Jet Eight Times, DOJ Reveals
By Alex Smith and Anthony Reuben, BBC Verify
DOJ Email Reveals Trump’s Presence on Epstein’s Jet
A newly released email from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) shows that Donald Trump was listed as a passenger on the private jet of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein at least eight times between 1993 and 1996. The 7 January 2020 email from an assistant US attorney states, “Donald Trump traveled on Epstein’s private jet many more times than previously has been reported (or that we were aware).”
Though Trump’s name appears on the flight records, the DOJ has clarified that this does not indicate any wrongdoing. In 2024, Trump stated via Truth Social, “I was never on Epstein’s Plane.” He has consistently denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
The DOJ highlighted that some files released contain “untrue and sensationalist claims” against Trump and made it clear these claims are unfounded and false.
Details from the DOJ Email and Flight Records
The email, part of an internal DOJ conversation, outlines that Donald Trump was listed as a passenger on at least eight flights from 1993-1996. At least four of those flights also included Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate, who was later convicted on child sex trafficking charges.
Other passengers on these flights reportedly included Marla Maples (Trump’s then-wife), their children Tiffany and Eric, and, on at least one occasion in 1993, just Trump and Epstein alone. Another noted flight listed “only three passengers: Epstein, Trump, and a then-20-year-old” whose identity was redacted. Two other flights reportedly included women identified as possible witnesses in a case against Maxwell.
Context: The Friendship Between Trump and Epstein
Donald Trump had a well-documented friendship with Epstein that lasted several years. According to public statements, Trump claims to have ended their association around 2004, long before Epstein was first arrested on sex crime charges in 2007.
This detail highlights how connections between the former president and Epstein have long been the subject of public interest and speculation, particularly given the gravity of the crimes for which Epstein and Maxwell were later convicted. For an in-depth timeline, see the BBC’s Epstein coverage.
The Ongoing Release of the Epstein Files
The 30,000-page release of the so-called “Epstein files” follows a legal mandate requiring the DOJ to make public all files relating to Epstein’s connections, flights, and criminal investigation. Despite this, significant portions remain unpublished as of June 2024, with the department citing the need to protect the privacy of victims.
Handwritten flight logs—some difficult to decipher—were among the documents released. One such log, dated 13 August 1995, lists a flight from Palm Beach International Airport to Teterboro Airport with passengers including Donald Trump, his son Eric, Jeffrey Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Multiple batches of documents have been released under Congressional pressure. However, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche explained that the remaining files would be released gradually to ensure victim protection and compliance with legal requirements.
DOJ Statements on Claims and Transparency
The DOJ, in a statement, addressed the release: “Some of these documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims made against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election. To be clear: the claims are unfounded and false, and if they had a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already.” The department reiterated its commitment to transparency and adherence to legal protections for victims.
For the official DOJ statement, see The Justice Department on X.