Year of the Epstein files enters final chapter

After years of mystery and months of turmoil, the Justice Department is expected on Friday to release — as required by law — the bulk of its unclassified archive on Jeffrey Epstein.Why it matters: No saga has commanded more public fascination this year than the Epstein files, which destabilized the MAGA movement in ways few thought possible.President Trump's efforts to close the book on the deceased sex trafficker backfired in spectacular fashion, unleashing a populist wave that ultimately swelled beyond his control.Now, thanks to Congress, a new era of forced transparency is underway.Zoom in: By Friday, the Justice Department must release "all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials" related to Epstein in a "searchable and downloadable format."The law allows redactions for victims' identities and records linked to ongoing investigations — a carve-out complicated by Trump recently ordering new probes into Epstein's ties to prominent Democrats.What remains unclear is how aggressively DOJ will use those exemptions, given its conclusion in July that "no further disclosure" about the Epstein files "would be appropriate or warranted." The big picture: More than six years after Epstein's death in federal prison, the mystery of his decades-long impunity continue to expel shrapnel at the highest levels of power.Trump shocked his supporters in July by disavowing anyone who believed the Epstein "hoax," insisting the scandal was a Democratic distraction. But a steady stream of disclosures about the two Palm Beach, Fla., socialites continues to haunt Trump — pointing to a friendship with Epstein far deeper than he admits, as the New York Times reported. No evidence has emerged of Trump participating in Epstein's abuses, but polls show deep disapproval of his handling of the files.Attorney General Pam Bondi became the face of the botched Epstein rollout after she handed out binders to MAGA influencers at a White House photo op and told Fox News that Epstein's "client list" was "sitting on my desk right now to review." The DOJ memo closing the case in July then claimed there was no client list. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told Vanity Fair that Bondi "completely whiffed."House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) suffered one of the most humiliating episodes of his speakership when he abruptly recessed the House to avoid a vote on releasing the Epstein files — only to watch the measure pass, with Trump's grudging support, months later. The episode deepened doubts about his grip on the chamber and fed the populist backlash inside the GOP.Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) broke with Trump over releasing the Epstein files and chose to resign from Congress after the president publicly branded her a "traitor." The Epstein fight "has ripped MAGA apart," Greene said last month as she openly questioned whether Trump — the man who inspired her to enter politics — was still the "America First" president.Some MAGA influencers — from Candace Owens to the "manosphere" podcasters who helped swell Trump's coalition in 2024 — say they still haven't recovered from what they view as a profound betrayal. FBI deputy director Dan Bongino, who spent years stoking Epstein conspiracies on his podcast, is resigning after struggling to reconcile his media persona with his bureau role.The blast radius has reached beyond Trump's orbit: former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, Prince Andrew and U.K. ambassador Peter Mandelson are among those who lost roles this year as a result of Epstein revelations.Between the lines: Three powerful currents have converged to make the Epstein files the enduring story of 2025.Elite distrust: Conflicting statements, delays and redactions have fueled the belief that governments, universities, banks and other institutions concealed Epstein's networks for years.Conspiracy culture: Online influencers have thrived on innuendo about alleged blackmail rings and Epstein's links to intelligence, turning every unanswered question into fodder for sweeping theories of corruption.Skepticism of Israel: Scrutiny of Epstein's deep ties to Israel has collided with the fierce debate over the Jewish state's influence in U.S. politics — a mix often laced with antisemitic tropes by far-right commentators.The bottom line: Regardless of what the DOJ reveals Friday, the story won't end here.Federal judges have approved the release of grand jury transcripts in three cases involving Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.Media outlets and the House Oversight Committee are continuing to pry loose new documents — including records from Epstein's estate that the FBI never obtained.