DOJ Unveils More Epstein Files Accusing Trump of Minor Abuse; Noem Out as DHS Chief
The 16-page release, tied to the late financier's Palm Beach estate near the Treasure Coast, follows an NPR probe revealing withheld documents, with 37 pages still missing as Mark Mullin steps in to lead Homeland Security.
The Justice Department released 16 additional pages of Jeffrey Epstein files Friday, including FBI interview summaries in which a woman accused President Trump of abusing her as a minor. The release came after an NPR investigation found officials had withheld dozens of pages from a prior release.
Despite the release, 37 pages remain missing from the federal database, according to NPR's own accounting. The DOJ has not publicly explained why those pages have not been produced.
For Treasure Coast residents tracking federal accountability, the Epstein disclosures carry particular weight. Palm Beach County was the site of Epstein's estate and the location of a 2008 non-prosecution agreement that drew sustained public scrutiny for years. Florida federal courts have been central to related civil litigation, and the release of any withheld records could renew pressure on the Southern District of Florida.
Trump did not publicly address the document release. On the same day, the president announced he had fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and named Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma as his nominee to lead the department. Noem faced bipartisan criticism this week during two congressional hearings over DHS spending practices and its handling of disaster relief funds. Her tenure was further clouded after immigration enforcement officers killed two U.S. citizens in Minnesota in January, an incident that left the agency in its third week without funding as of Friday, according to NPR.
Mullin's confirmation by the Senate is required before he can assume the role. Rebuilding public trust in immigration enforcement will be one of his first challenges, according to NPR's Ximena Bustillo. Rep. Brian Mast, a Republican representing Martin and St. Lucie counties who has been a vocal supporter of the administration's immigration agenda, has not yet publicly commented on the nomination.
The Senate confirmation timeline for Mullin has not been announced.
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