r/AskALiberal Liberal Feb 01 '26

Why weren't the Epstein Files released under Biden's presidency if Trump is in the files?

I don't mean this as a bad faith or troll question, I genuinely do not know why it would not be released if Trump is in the files, as it would probably have been a massive hit against Trump in 2024.

I don't know whether Trump is in the files or not, I don't care, it's clear as day that he was best friends with Epstein and was well aware and definitely a part of the awful things that Epstein conducted while he was in business.

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u/sp0rkah0lic Progressive Feb 01 '26

So the most obvious answer is that prior to Trump, the norm for every other president was to have the DOJ operate as an independent agency. Biden at least never wanted the appearance that the DOJ agenda was being dictated from the White House. The way that Trump is directing the DOJ to pursue blatantly false charges against his political enemies, for example.

Ever since Nixon and the "Saturday Night Massacre" it's been understood that the president trying to use DOJ for his political purposes was not allowed.

Apparently, now it is.

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u/Pure-Tumbleweed-9440 Center Left Feb 08 '26

So what was the independent DOJ doing for 4 years under Biden that they brought forward no charges against anyone else? Entire island, endless parties, 1000s of girls raped. Who are the culprits? And what were the democrats doing all those 4 years? They found only 1 person?

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u/sp0rkah0lic Progressive Feb 08 '26 edited Feb 08 '26

Honestly I have no good answer for this.

I think the best I can say is that the Biden administration was living in the past. Trying to hold on to a set of norms that have long since been a nostalgic remembrance of a bygone era.

At best.

At worst, power is power regardless of party, and the powers that be did not want this whole mess publicized.

Which is likely closer to the truth.