This transcript captures a press briefing segment where a spokesperson, Caroline, fields questions regarding the "Epstein files." She addresses the President's recent comment calling the situation a "hoax," clarifying that the President was referring to what he sees as the hypocritical and outsized media and Democratic Party focus on the story, not the crimes themselves. The spokesperson defends the administration's actions, stating the President previously ordered an exhaustive Department of Justice review which has already concluded. She criticizes the media for ignoring the President's recent policy achievements—including securing investments and signing a bipartisan fentanyl bill—in favor of the Epstein story. When pressed on why the administration doesn't simply release the files with redactions, she deflects responsibility, stating that such actions are under the authority of the Department of Justice and the courts, not the President.
Press Secretary on Epstein Files and Media Focus
00:00 Clarifying the "Hoax" Comment: The spokesperson, Caroline, explains the President's "hoax" comment is not about Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, but rather directed at Democrats and the media. She claims their current focus on the issue is "asinine" and hypocritical, as they did not pursue transparency on the matter when they held power.
00:33 The Administration's Actions on Epstein Files: She states the President previously directed the Department of Justice to conduct an "exhaustive review" of all files related to Jeffrey Epstein. This review was led by figures like Pam Bondi, Dan Bongino, and Kash Patel, and their findings were concluded and released in a memo, which she presents as evidence of the President's transparency.
01:13 Criticizing Media Priorities: The spokesperson pivots to criticize the media's heavy coverage of the Epstein story, arguing it overshadows the President's work. She lists recent presidential actions, including securing $90 billion in investments for Pennsylvania, whipping votes for the "Genius Act," and signing a bipartisan fentanyl bill, noting that no cable news network covered the fentanyl bill signing live.
02:14 Pressure to Release the Files: A reporter follows up, noting that prominent figures from both parties, including the Senate Majority Leader and the House Speaker, support releasing the files. The reporter asks why the administration won't release the documents with appropriate redactions to let the American people decide and move on.
02:45 Deflecting Responsibility for Release: In response, the spokesperson states that decisions regarding redactions and unsealing grand jury information are the responsibility of the Department of Justice and the courts, not the President. She concludes by saying the President agrees that if the DOJ finds any new credible evidence, it should be provided to the public.
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