‘Not what we asked for’: US releases Jeffrey Epstein files, critics call it ‘complete disappointment’

The United States government released additional Jeffrey Epstein files on Thursday, but the release of old and heavily edited documents has left critics disappointed. Many have pointed out that “The Epstein Files: Phase I” doesn't include any bombshell information and has documents which are already available online.

Republicans. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) criticised Jeffrey Epstein files and criticised Trump administration for revealing no crucial information about the sex trafficking case.

Referring to a new report, Luna claimed that Jeffrey Epstein “documents will simply be Epstein’s phonebook.”

“THIS IS NOT WHAT WE OR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ASKED FOR and a complete disappointment. GET US THE INFORMATION WE ASKED FOR!” she added in her post.

Jeffrey Epstein's address book which was revealed by the US government in first batch of his documents was a redacted photocopy of the original document.

According to AP, the rollout of the documents showed Donald Trump administration's effort for showmanship and preference for conservative influencers with large social media followings.

Who was Jeffrey Epstein?

Jeffrey Epstein was an American financier who was accused of sexually abusing dozens of underage girls nearly 2000s. After that he had served around 13 months in jail. He was indicted on federal charges in New York in 2019, a decade after he finalised a deal with federal prosecutors in Florida to dispose of similar charges of sex trafficking.

The case has drawn widespread attention because of Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell’s links to royals, presidents and billionaires.

Social media reacts to Jeffrey Epstein release

Several social media users also expressed their disappointment over the lack of classified details about Jeffrey Epstein and his case in the first batch of documents released on Thursday. Many accused the government of editing the details.

“Trump is on that list, but I'm sure they'll edit it. They were friends [sic],” wrote a social media user.

"Pam Bondi said "hopefully" some of the extensive list would be released today. "Hopefully" doesn't give me much faith. I don't know why there is has been delays based on what both she and Kash promised on the campaign trail [sic]," commented another user on a Fox News post related to Jeffrey Epstein files.