A new batch of images from the estate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has placed global attention once again on prominent public figures. Which includes Microsoft founder Bill Gates and acclaimed philosopher Noam Chomsky.
The photos were released by Democrats on the US House Oversight Committee, a day before the Department of Justice (DOJ) is legally required to publish the full “Epstein Files.”
Photos trigger fresh scrutiny but no allegations of wrongdoing
The 68 images taken from a trove of nearly 95,000 photos obtained by Congress, show Gates posing with women whose faces have been redacted. While Chomsky appears aboard what looks like Epstein’s private jet.
Lawmakers made no suggestion that either Gates or Chomsky engaged in any unlawful activity. However, the release has intensified public questions about Epstein’s global network.
Other photos include ID documents belonging to unidentified women from multiple countries, and screenshots of disturbing text messages referring to girls being “sent” for Epstein — adding further pressure on the DOJ to release all remaining materials.
What the Epstein files include and why they matter
The images are part of a vast archive collected from Epstein’s properties and devices over nearly two decades.
According to a 2025 Justice Department memo, federal investigators recovered over 300 gigabytes of data. Moreover, it includes photos, videos, interview transcripts and evidence seized during raids in Florida, New York and the US Virgin Islands.
Epstein first faced charges in 2008 for molesting a minor in Florida but escaped significant jail time through a controversial plea deal.
In 2019, following new allegations that he operated a network of underage girls for sex. Furthermore, he was arrested again but died in prison while awaiting trial.
His associate Ghislaine Maxwell was later convicted of sex trafficking in 2021.
Over the years, various civil and criminal proceedings have led to partial releases of flight logs, emails and contact lists but many files remain sealed.
With Friday’s legal deadline under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Democrats say the latest images are meant to give the public “a representative sample” and to pressure the DOJ to end what they call a “White House cover-up.”
The department may still withhold material that identifies victims but lawmakers insist the remaining records must be released in searchable form as required by law.
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