U.S. Justice Department and FBI Conclude No Jeffrey Epstein 'Blackmail List' Exists

The U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have officially concluded that no secret "blackmail list" associated with financier Jeffrey Epstein exists, reaffirming that Epstein died by suicide in 2019. This definitive statement follows an exhaustive review of all investigative holdings, directly addressing years of widespread conspiracy theories surrounding the convicted sex offender's death and alleged connections. The announcement comes as public figures continue to debate the existence of such documents, with commentator Bill Mitchell recently tweeting, > "How can Trump turn over what doesn't exist? If he doesn't turn over Epstein's blackmail list, which does not exist, he will be accused off hiding evidence."

The joint memo released by the DOJ and FBI detailed a systematic review, including extensive digital and physical searches, which "revealed no incriminating 'client list'" and "no credible evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals." Furthermore, the investigation reaffirmed that Epstein committed suicide in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City on August 10, 2019. To support this, the Justice Department also released hours of surveillance footage from the facility, which officials stated showed no one entering Epstein's cell area on the night of his death.

The findings directly contradict previous public statements, including one in February 2025 by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who had indicated a "client list" was "sitting on my desk." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that Bondi was referring to the broader collection of Epstein case files and not a specific blackmail document. This clarification was made as the administration faced scrutiny over its handling of Epstein-related disclosures, with some critics suggesting a lack of new information in previously released documents.

Despite the official conclusions, skepticism persists among some public figures and conservative commentators who had previously promoted theories of a hidden list or foul play. Elon Musk, for instance, had recently accused former President Trump of being "in the Epstein files," though he later deleted the post. The DOJ memo emphasized that "no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted," citing the presence of child sexual abuse material and sensitive victim information, as well as a lack of evidence to pursue investigations against uncharged third parties.