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Social media users have pointed out a disturbing image on the desk of Jeffrey Epstein, that has emerged in the batch of photos, newly released by the pedophile financier’s estate.

In a picture in which Epstein is seen sitting with Donald Trump’s former confidante Steve Bannon a framed picture on the financier’s desk appears to show a woman lying in a fetal position.

The White House has blasted the Democrats for releasing the latest tranche of photos, four of which show Trump mingling with several women.

“Once again, House Democrats are selectively releasing cherry-picked photos with random redactions to try and create a false narrative,” Abigail Jackson, White House Deputy Press Secretary told The Independent.

Trump has not been criminally charged with any wrongdoing and has consistently denied any involvement with Epstein.

Also featured in the latest tranche of photos are former president Bill Clinton, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and former Prince Andrew. The faces of some of the women who feature in the photos have been redacted by the Democrats.

The release of the photos comes ahead of a December 19 deadline for the Department of Justice to release the full files.

White House attacks Democrats in its response to newly released photos

In its response to the new batch of released images, the White House attacked Democrats Stacey Plaskett and Hakeem Jeffries for their ties to Epstein.

Accusations have swirled that Plaskett, the U.S. Virgin Islands non-voting delegate, appeared to be texting with Epstein during a 2019 hearing before questioning Trump. Her office later confirmed that the text exchange had occurred.

Meanwhile, James Comer, the top Republican on the Oversight Committee previously posted a 2013 email sent by a fundraising firm that was soliciting campaign money from the Epstein for Jeffries’ campaign.

Jeffries has said he’s never met Epstein, never received a donation from him and had no recollection of the email.

Last month, Attorney General Pam Bondi launched a probe into Democrats’ ties to Epstein at Trump’s direction.

Mike Bedigan12 December 2025 21:20

Social media users point out disturbing image on Epstein’s desk

Social media users have pointed out a disturbing image on the desk of Jeffrey Epstein, that has emerged in the newly released batch of photos.

In a picture in which Epstein is seen sitting with former Trump confidante Steve Bannon a framed picture on the financier’s desk appears to show a woman lying in a fetal position.

Steve Bannon meeting with EpsteinSteve Bannon meeting with Epstein (House Oversight Committee)

Mike Bedigan12 December 2025 20:50

Larry Summers expressed remorse for associations with Epstein

Former Harvard president Larry Summers, who was featured with Jeffrey Epstein in some of the pictures released Friday, has previously expressed remorse for having associated with the pedophile financier.

It was previously revealed that Summers had exchanged emails with Epstein as recently as 2019. At the time he said his continued communications with the convicted sex offender were “misguided” and that he was “deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused.”

Summers announced he was stepping down from his teaching role after previously released email exchanges with Epstein came to light.

Mike Bedigan12 December 2025 20:40

Former Harvard president Larry Summers pictured in newly released photos(House Oversight Committee)

Mike Bedigan12 December 2025 20:20

Dems slam ‘repulsive’ and call for end of ‘cover up’

Democratic lawmakers including Jasmine Crockett and Pramila Jayapal are among who have blasted the “repulsive” images online.

“This is about truth and justice—for victims and survivors,” Crockett, a Texas rep. wrote on X.

“These subpoenaed photos from the Epstein estate are deeply disturbing and raise serious questions about who knew what, and when—which is exactly why the files need to be released. The Epstein Files Act is law. Trump can release them today.”

Jayapal, who represents Washington’s 7th District, added: “These images are repulsive. The Trump administration needs to stop their cover-up and release ALL of the Epstein Files.”

Mike Bedigan12 December 2025 20:00

Watch: MTG says Trump was ‘furious’ with her over Epstein in 60 Minutes interviewMTG says Trump was ‘furious’ with her over Epstein in 60 Minutes interview

Mike Bedigan12 December 2025 19:40

Epstein and Maxwell grand jury docs are being unsealed as Trump’s DOJ approaches deadline to publish files

Earlier this week, federal judges in New York and Florida have agreed to unseal grand jury documents tied to investigations into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

The move paved the way for the Department of Justice to release all the files in its possession as pressure builds to expose an alleged network of powerful figures who enabled the late sex offender.

Alex Woodward has all the details:

Mike Bedigan12 December 2025 19:22

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor pictured in new release of Epstein case files

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been pictured in a set of images released from the estate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Photos from Epstein’s estate were released by the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee Friday, including images of US president Donald Trump, Mountbatten-Windsor, and Steve Bannon.

It’s not clear when the photos were taken, as they are undated.

Bryony Gooch has the full story:

Mike Bedigan12 December 2025 19:00

Watch: Right-wing podcast host Tim Dillon accuses the Trump administration of blowing up boats to distract from the Epstein filesRight-wing podcast host Tim Dillon accuses the Trump administration of blowing up boats to distract from the Epstein files

Mike Bedigan12 December 2025 18:45

Trump posts on Truth Social, but not about Epstein files

Donald Trump posted on Truth Social shortly after the release of the photos in which he was shown alongside Jeffrey Epstein and several women, but did not address the new development.

Instead, the president announced that leaders from Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to renew a ceasefire after days of deadly clashes.

“They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord made with me, and them, with the help of the Great Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim,”the president wrote.

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment on the release of the new images.

Mike Bedigan12 December 2025 18:30