Fact check: Who chose not to release Epstein files? Some say that was trump's decision?

1. Summary of the results

The decision not to release Jeffrey Epstein files was made by the Justice Department and FBI under the Trump administration, not by Trump personally. According to the analyses, the Justice Department and FBI concluded they have no evidence that Epstein blackmailed powerful figures, kept a 'client list,' or was murdered ^{[1] [2]}. Attorney General Pam Bondi released a memo stating that no 'further disclosure' of Epstein-related material 'would be appropriate or warranted' due to the sensitive nature of the content ^[2].

The Trump administration is releasing a video that supports the medical examiner's finding that Epstein died by suicide ^[2]. The decision appears to have been a joint decision by the Justice Department and FBI, rather than a unilateral choice by Trump himself ^{[3] [4]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question omits several crucial pieces of context:

• Trump's base is in revolt over this decision, with his supporters calling for Bondi to be fired and demanding the release of the Epstein files ^[5]. This suggests Trump may not have been the driving force behind withholding the files, as it has created significant backlash among his own supporters.
• The Epstein conspiracy theory has been a key part of the MAGA movement, with the belief that there is a cabal in the establishment protecting nefarious actors ^[6]. Figures like Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, who once promoted these theories, are now in positions of power and have distanced themselves from it ^[6].
• The decision may have been motivated by protecting victims and their families rather than covering up wrongdoing, given the sensitive nature of the content ^[2].
• Trump defended Bondi regarding her handling of the case, suggesting he supports the Justice Department's decision rather than having personally orchestrated it ^{[5] [4]}.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement contains a significant factual inaccuracy by suggesting this was "Trump's decision" when the evidence shows it was a decision made by the Justice Department and FBI ^{[3] [4]}. This framing could mislead people into believing Trump personally chose to withhold the files when the institutional decision-making process was more complex.

The question also implies there might be incriminating evidence being hidden, when the official conclusion is that no evidence of blackmail or a 'client list' was found ^{[1] [2]}. This framing benefits those who want to maintain conspiracy theories about powerful elites, even when law enforcement agencies have concluded their investigation and found no supporting evidence.