Trump Team Held Classified Meetings Over Epstein Files Leak Fears, New Book Reveals
According to a forthcoming book by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, Trump's top aides held multiple meetings in the Situation Room to manage concerns about leaks related to the Epstein files, with Vice President JD Vance proposing that Tucker Carlson interview Ghislaine Maxwell. The book excerpt describes internal tensions over how to handle the issue, with Trump reportedly wanting the matter buried while some aides pushed for transparency. The revelations have sparked immediate reactions from Trump and media figures, highlighting ongoing controversies surrounding the former president's connections to Epstein.
According to an excerpt from the forthcoming book "Regime Change" by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, Trump administration officials held classified meetings in the Situation Room to address concerns about potential leaks regarding the Epstein files. Vice President JD Vance reportedly proposed a public relations strategy involving Tucker Carlson interviewing Ghislaine Maxwell in prison to establish Trump's lack of involvement in wrongdoing with Epstein. The book describes internal disagreements, with Vance advocating for immediate release of all files while Trump allegedly wanted the issue buried and avoided discussion of it. The excerpt also details Trump's efforts to suppress a Wall Street Journal story, including calls to News Corp. leadership and the Journal's editor. The White House responded with a statement asserting Trump's exoneration and highlighting his cooperation with investigations and document releases related to Epstein.
What's missing
The article does not provide details about what specific Epstein files or documents the Trump administration was concerned about leaking, nor does it clarify the timeline of when these Situation Room meetings occurred beyond "last summer." Additionally, the nature and scope of the Wall Street Journal story that Trump allegedly tried to suppress is not fully explained.
What different sources said
- AxiosCenter
"Regime Change": New book reveals Trump team's Epstein leak fears
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