The House Oversight Committee released new documents on Friday as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The files include call logs, meeting schedules with notable figures in various industries, and a transcript of an interview with Alexander Acosta, the former U.S. labor secretary. Acosta was the federal prosecutor in South Florida when Epstein received a controversial plea deal nearly 20 years ago.

Among the documents is a redacted call log that indicates two undated calls from someone identified as "Donald Trump." Trump and Epstein were once friends, but Trump has stated that he ended their relationship. After Epstein's arrest in 2019, Trump remarked, "I had a falling-out with him a long time ago. I don’t think I’ve spoken to him for 15 years. I wasn’t a fan."

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson commented on the release, stating, "It’s not news that Epstein knew Donald Trump, because Donald Trump kicked Epstein out of his club for being a creep." She added that Democrats and the media had known about Epstein and his victims for years without taking action, while Trump was advocating for transparency.

The newly released documents contain heavily redacted emails and calendar entries detailing meetings and meals from 2012 to 2014 with influential individuals, including filmmaker Woody Allen and billionaires Peter Thiel and Reid Hoffman. None of these individuals responded to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Valar Ventures, co-founded by Thiel, previously stated that the firm aims to use Epstein's investments to support victims.

During his interview with the committee in September, Acosta defended his office's actions in the Epstein case. He noted that despite allegations of Epstein molesting numerous girls, the plea agreement allowed him to plead guilty to soliciting prostitution in 2008, avoiding federal charges. Epstein served just over a year in prison and was granted generous work-release privileges. Acosta described a potential trial as a "crapshoot," citing the reluctance of some victims to testify and inconsistencies in their accounts. He acknowledged that a billionaire going to jail would send a strong message against such behavior.

Acosta expressed regret that the resolution of the case left victims feeling dissatisfied. He stated, "Looking back in hindsight, there are a number of issues … that I will say caused the community and the victims to feel – to feel that this was not a good resolution, and I get that."

Democrats on the committee criticized Acosta for his handling of the case. Sara Guerrero, a spokesperson for the Democrats, said, "The transcripts of Alex Acosta’s interview confirm what we’ve known all along: he has no remorse for his mishandling of the Epstein case."

In response, Jeffrey Neiman, Acosta's lawyer, stated that had the U.S. Attorney’s Office known what is now publicly available in 2006, the prosecution would have been different. Acosta resigned as labor secretary in 2019 amid scrutiny over his role in the Epstein case. He clarified that his decision to step down was entirely his own.

Epstein died by suicide in jail in August 2019 while facing federal sex trafficking charges. The committee's release also included letters from former U.S. attorneys general Eric Holder and Merrick Garland, and former FBI director James B. Comey, all of whom stated they had no relevant information regarding Epstein.

Additional documents released include redacted flight logs, call and text logs, and property maintenance records. The flight logs reference Prince Andrew, who renounced his titles on Friday due to his connections with Epstein. The committee has received various materials in response to subpoenas sent to the Epstein estate and the Justice Department, including a book created for Epstein's 50th birthday and his last will and testament.

One message in the birthday book, featuring the outline of a nude woman, is signed "Donald." Democrats allege this message is from Trump, who has denied writing it and claims the signature is not his.

Calls for the full release of Epstein-related files have intensified among both Democrats and members of Trump's base. A bipartisan effort is underway in the House to compel the release of these files. Representatives Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) and Ro Khanna (D-California) are working to gather 218 signatures for a discharge petition that would force a vote on the matter. This comes amid criticism of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) for not swearing in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva (D-Arizona) during the ongoing government shutdown. Grijalva has pledged to provide the necessary signature for the petition.