WASHINGTON — The millions of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Epstein Files Transparency Act continue to generate global fallout.
The roughly 3.5 million pages have renewed scrutiny over who maintained connections to Jeffrey Epstein and what consequences, if any, should follow. While the public reaction has triggered a series of high-profile resignations, the document release has not led to new criminal charges in the United States so far.
Confirmed Resignations After the DOJ Release
Being named or mentioned in the files does not automatically indicate criminal wrongdoing. Still, several prominent figures have stepped down following scrutiny related to the disclosures:
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Børge Brende resigned as President and CEO of the World Economic Forum amid questions about past meetings and communications with Epstein.
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Thomas Pritzker stepped down as Executive Chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, citing what he described as “terrible judgment” in maintaining contact with Epstein.
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Kathryn Ruemmler announced she would resign as Chief Legal Officer at Goldman Sachs after disclosures about past communications surfaced.
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Brad Karp resigned as Chairman of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison after DOJ-released emails showed extensive contact with Epstein.
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Peter Attia stepped down as a contributor to CBS News following the release of emails between him and Epstein.
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Larry Summers said he will resign from teaching at Harvard University at the end of the academic year amid a campus review of his ties.
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Richard Axel stepped down as Co-Director of the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University and resigned his role with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
So far, these departures appear driven by reputational concerns and institutional governance decisions rather than new indictments.
Resignation does not equal criminal liability.
Despite troubling material in the files, no new federal charges have been filed against any of the individuals listed.
Why Haven’t There Been New Charges?
That question remains central to public debate. According to the Associated Press, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said that while the release includes disturbing emails and photos, that alone does not automatically establish a prosecutable case. The Justice Department “can’t create evidence that doesn’t exist,” Blanche told AP.
There is, however, additional context. ABC News reported that a 2019 prosecution memo included in the newly released materials shows federal investigators examined whether Epstein’s associates could face conspiracy charges after his death. Much of that memo remains redacted, but it confirms prosecutors formally considered the question of potential liability.
What About State or International Investigations?
Some of the released material could serve as investigative leads for state attorneys general or foreign authorities. However, those jurisdictions would still need independent, admissible evidence to bring charges.
The Associated Press also reported Thursday that the DOJ is reviewing whether any Epstein-related records were previously withheld, a process that could result in further disclosures.
International Fallout and Active Probes
While no new U.S. federal indictments have been announced, investigative actions abroad have followed the release.
According to multiple reports from Reuters:
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France has opened two investigations — one into potential human trafficking and sexual crimes, and another into possible financial and tax-related offenses tied to Epstein contacts.
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Latvia launched a criminal human trafficking investigation after references in the files connected Epstein’s network to Latvian model agencies.
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Lithuania opened a pretrial human trafficking investigation following disclosures in the files.
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Norway initiated an external inquiry into its Foreign Ministry’s links to Epstein after political pressure.
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In the United Kingdom, police activity and ongoing investigations involve high-profile figures connected to Epstein correspondence, including scrutiny surrounding Prince Andrew and the arrest of former U.K. ambassador Peter Mandelson.
The Bottom Line
The DOJ’s file release has led to resignations, internal corporate and academic reviews, renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s network and international investigations.
What it has not produced — at least so far — is a new wave of federal criminal indictments in the United States, despite public calls for accountability.