Stephen King urges Trump administration to release Epstein files, calls distractions 'crap'

AUGUSTA, MAINE: Author Stephen King publicly criticized the Trump administration for failing to fully release files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, accusing it of distracting the public despite a law mandating their disclosure.

The last major tranche of Epstein files was released on December 19, 2025, by the Department of Justice. The release, which marked the first disclosures under the Epstein Files Transparency Act signed by President Donald Trump, included approximately 3,900 documents, primarily consisting of photographs.

King, a frequent critic of Trump, slammed the administration for failing to release all of the Epstein files as required by law. He has repeatedly argued that public attention is being diverted away from the matter despite clear legal obligations.

Stephen King’s past remarks on Epstein controversy

The acclaimed horror author has spoken about the Epstein files on multiple occasions. In July 2025, he faced significant backlash on social media after making a skeptical comment regarding what many refer to as the Epstein client list.

“The Epstein client list is real. So is the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus,” King wrote, sparking debate and criticism online. 

In a subsequent post, he added, “Boy, I hit a nerve with that Epstein post. The ‘list’ is like UFOs: Everyone knows someone who’s seen one,” further fueling discussion and controversy.

King’s critical stance on Trump extends beyond the Epstein files. In an interview with The Guardian, the author answered a series of fan questions, including, “If you had to invent an ending for Trumpian America, what would it be?”

Justice Department update on Epstein files review

In a letter submitted Thursday, January 15, to two federal judges, DOJ officials stated they are making “substantial progress” in reviewing materials related to Epstein but provided no timeline for when additional documents would be released.

The letter said more than 500 federal prosecutors and staff from the Southern District of New York and the Justice Department’s criminal division are reviewing and redacting millions of pages from investigations into Epstein and his co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Officials noted there is 'substantial' duplication across files, leaving the estimated number of documents 'in flux.' The DOJ added that the scale of the review requires around-the-clock technical support due to the volume of materials.

The letter, signed by Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, also stated that prosecutors are working with victims and their attorneys to redact identifying information, even in cases where such details were previously public.