Epstein Files Trigger Political Fallout in Europe and Renew Pressure on Prince Andrew

Newly released U.S. government files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have sparked political upheaval in Europe and renewed international pressure on powerful figures linked to the disgraced financier.

The fallout comes just one day after the U.S. Justice Department began publishing a massive archive of Epstein-related documents, including more than 3 million pages, 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images, collected over two decades of investigations into Epstein’s global network.

Slovak Official Resigns After Epstein Links Revealed

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed Saturday that he accepted the resignation of Miroslav Lajcak, the country’s national security adviser and former foreign minister, after emails and photos revealed meetings between Lajcak and Epstein following Epstein’s 2008 release from jail.

Although Lajcak is not accused of any criminal wrongdoing, the documents show Epstein invited him to dinners and private meetings in 2018. Opposition parties and coalition partners increased pressure, arguing the association damaged Slovakia’s credibility.

Lajcak said his contact with Epstein occurred during diplomatic duties, but the disclosures triggered political backlash across the country.

Pressure Mounts on Prince Andrew

The files also reignited calls for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, to cooperate with U.S. investigators.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the former royal should tell American authorities whatever he knows about Epstein’s activities and global connections. Prince Andrew has so far ignored a request from the U.S. House Oversight Committee for a formal interview regarding his long-standing friendship with Epstein.

Documents show Epstein’s emails frequently mentioned Andrew, including a 2010 exchange where Epstein attempted to arrange a date for him with a Russian woman.

Trump Responds to File Release

President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, claimed the newly released files vindicate him.

“I was told by very important people that not only does it absolve me, it’s the opposite of what the radical left hoped for,” Trump said.

The files include correspondence between Epstein and Trump adviser Steve Bannon, New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch, and contacts with business leaders such as Bill Gates and Elon Musk, showing Epstein’s extensive ties among political, business, and philanthropic elites.

Draft Indictment Details Abuse Network

The records show the FBI began investigating Epstein in 2006 and prepared a draft federal indictment in 2007 after multiple underage girls reported being paid for sexualized massages.

Interview notes describe Epstein’s staff arranging payments, delivering gifts to schoolgirls, cleaning rooms after encounters, and disposing of used condoms. Prosecutors initially planned to charge Epstein and several assistants.

However, then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta approved a controversial deal that allowed Epstein to avoid federal charges. Epstein instead pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting prostitution from a minor and served 18 months.

Criticism of Justice Department Disclosure

Survivors’ groups criticized the Justice Department for releasing documents that make victims identifiable while allegedly protecting Epstein’s enablers.

Congressman Jamie Raskin demanded lawmakers review unredacted versions, warning that inconsistent redactions may shield powerful individuals from accountability.

Epstein’s Network Exposed Again

The release reinforces Epstein’s close relationships with elites including former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, though no public accusers have alleged wrongdoing by either.

Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019. His associate Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in 2021 and is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.

The document dump has reopened global debate about accountability for Epstein’s powerful network and the failures of institutions that once protected him.