Trump responds to new Epstein files - as Starmer calls on Andrew to testify before US Congress
Fallout from the release of millions of documents continues - as Sir Keir Starmer increases pressure on the former prince and the US president says the files confound the "radical left".
Sunday 1 February 2026 07:43, UK
Donald Trump has responded to the latest release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, claiming they "absolve" the US president.
More than three million documents were published by the US Department of Justice on Friday under a law intended to reveal most of the material it collected during two decades of investigations involving Epstein, the late financier and convicted paedophile.
Speaking for the first time about the newly released documents, Mr Trump claimed they had cleared him of allegations about his links with Epstein.
As he flew to Florida on Saturday, the US president told reporters: "I didn't see it myself but I was told by some very important people that not only does it absolve me, it's the opposite of what people were hoping, you know, the radical left."
Mr Trump had a history with Epstein, who he knew socially, describing him in 2002 as a "terrific guy" who liked women "on the younger side". But after the paedophile's death in 2019, the president said they had "had a falling out" and had not spoken in 15 years.
Mr Trump's comments come after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to testify to US Congress over his dealings with Epstein.
The latest tranche of Epstein files include three images appearing to show Andrew on all fours over a woman lying on the floor, with the date and circumstances unspecified.
Andrew has always vehemently denied any wrongdoing relating to his relationship with Epstein.
Epstein files - latest updates
Speaking to reporters on his way back from Japan, Sir Keir said: "In terms of testifying I have always said anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that."
He added: "You can't be victim-centred if you're not prepared to do that.
"Epstein's victims have to be the first priority.
"As for whether there should be an apology, that's a matter for Andrew."
Pictures released of Peter Mandelson in his underwear
Also included are images of Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the US, in his underpants.
There are several versions of essentially the same image, showing the former cabinet minister in his underwear, talking to a woman wearing a bathrobe.
Paste BN does not know when, where or by whom the photos were taken and appearing in a photo in the Epstein files does not indicate wrongdoing.
Read more:
Epstein files: Key findings so far
It is clear Epstein was welcomed into Andrew's family fold
Who features in Epstein files photos?
A spokesperson for Lord Mandelson told Paste BN: "No one can say who or where the photo was taken.
"Lord Mandelson has absolutely no idea or indeed whether it has any connection to Epstein at all."
Epstein wanted Sarah Ferguson to say he was 'not a pedo'
Newly released emails also appear to show Epstein wanted Sarah Ferguson to release a statement saying he was "not a pedo [paedophile]".
The former Duchess of York distanced herself from the disgraced financier in 2011 interview, saying she abhorred "paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children", calling her association with Epstein "a gigantic error of judgment".
An email exchange from the latest drop of files, dated one week after Ferguson's interview, appears to show Epstein's immediate reaction.
He suggests to publicist Mike Sitrick that Ms Ferguson quickly release a statement saying she had been "duped" by lawyers representing some of his accusers.
"She now knows that what she was told was based on falsehoods and fabrications designed to enhance their civil suit," Epstein said.
"She should out the newspapers on the offering of money for stories."
Sitrick responded saying they needed to put pressure on Ms Ferguson to change her account.
He said: "Agree, quite frankly whatever her excuse she needs to say she was mistaken, she apologises, feels terrible. Jeffrey is not a paedophile."
He also says that if "gentle persuasion" doesn't work, he felt they should "turn up the heat even to the point of sending her a draft defamation lawsuit".
Although Epstein expressed concerns that he could not "depend" on Ms Ferguson "doing as we would wish", Sitrick replied that her "retraction" was "critical".
He said this would be "a major turning point and be picked up everywhere".