Mike Pence has called for the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein to ensure transparency, in contrast to former President Donald Trump, who has dismissed scrutiny of the matter as a partisan hoax. Reports indicate that during the Trump administration, agents were ordered by officials including Pam Bondi and others to redact all mentions of Trump from the Epstein files. Critics question why such extensive blackouts were necessary if Trump was only an innocent bystander. Virginia Giuffre, a known Epstein victim, had reportedly received personal assurances from Elon Musk about releasing the Epstein files, but concerns have been raised that both Musk and Trump are using the issue for political purposes rather than seeking justice for survivors. The Trump administration has been criticized for making CIA files public while keeping Epstein-related files secret, leading to allegations of a cover-up intended to conceal details about Trump’s relationship with Epstein. Additionally, Trump allies have been reframing Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted child trafficker, as a victim, potentially preparing the public for a pardon that could alter the narrative of the Epstein case and suppress the truth. Victims of Epstein and Maxwell have expressed strong disapproval of the Department of Justice’s handling of the case, describing it as indicative of a cover-up and suggesting that the Trump administration has marginalized the victims’ interests.