Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) has ignited new controversy with allegations that files connected to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were deliberately destroyed to protect powerful individuals. Speaking in a recent interview, Burchett expressed doubt over the Department of Justice’s findings, which asserted that no Epstein “client list” ever existed and reaffirmed the official conclusion that Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial for federal sex trafficking charges.
Burchett argued that it was implausible for Epstein—who had personal ties to prominent political figures, celebrities, and business magnates—not to have maintained detailed records of his associates or clients. “It just doesn’t make sense,” he implied, suggesting that such documentation may have been intentionally removed or destroyed to prevent damaging revelations about influential individuals across various sectors.
The Tennessee congressman dismissed any speculation that former President Donald Trump was implicated in the alleged records, saying, “If there was anything incriminating against Trump, it would have already been made public by the Biden administration.” He instead hinted that any true list would more likely involve figures from Hollywood, global politics, and the corporate world, calling for transparency and accountability regardless of social status or influence.
Burchett also addressed comments made by former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who previously suggested that certain Epstein-related documents still existed and could eventually be released. The lawmaker accused Bondi of overestimating her knowledge of the situation, adding, “They all got out there, got a little excited,” while asserting that the materials she referred to were likely among those destroyed.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed that the administration stands by federal findings that no such client list was ever compiled. She noted that while some Epstein-related files were withheld during the Trump administration, they contained explicit and sensitive material not suitable for public release.
Epstein’s former attorney, David Schoen, has also reiterated that his client had “no information” linking Trump to any criminal conduct and that Epstein himself denied holding any such material. Both the FBI and DOJ have confirmed that no new evidence remains undisclosed in relation to Epstein’s death or alleged records.
Still, Burchett’s claims reflect persistent public skepticism about federal investigations into politically connected individuals. His remarks have reignited debate over whether the complete truth behind Epstein’s vast network will ever be fully revealed—or if critical evidence has already vanished forever.