James Fishback, a Republican candidate for Florida governor, pledged on Monday to use “every state resource” to investigate individuals named in the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files, saying victims of sex trafficking deserve justice.
Standing outside the United States Courthouse, Fishback noted that despite hundreds of men being implicated in the files, none had been arrested or charged. “If I am elected Florida’s 47th governor, I will spare no resource to prosecute every single one of Jeffrey Epstein’s co-conspirators here in Florida. I don’t care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican, you will be brought to justice,” he said.
Despite hundreds of men being named in the Epstein files, not a single one of them has been arrested.
— James Fishback (@j_fishback) February 2, 2026
As Florida Governor, I will direct *every state resource* to investigate anyone involved in sex trafficking (Democrat or Republican) to ensure every victim receives justice. pic.twitter.com/WUNZ52YNse
President Donald Trump also weighed in on the release of new Epstein-related documents during an exchange with reporters aboard Air Force One on Jan. 31, dismissing suggestions that the files implicated him and instead accusing a writer of working with Epstein to harm him politically, according to a White House video. Trump said he had been told by advisers that the material “absolves” him and suggested he may pursue legal action against both the writer and Epstein’s estate, calling their alleged actions “not a friend” to him.
Trump on Epstein Files: 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. pic.twitter.com/cCYEIg4nmO
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 1, 2026
The U.S. Justice Department released millions of internal documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender, revealing ties to numerous figures in politics, business, and academia. Officials cautioned that the material may include unverified claims and does not constitute evidence of criminal conduct for those mentioned.
The files detail connections to prominent figures including former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, former Prince Andrew, business executives such as Elon Musk and Bill Gates, and financial leaders like Jes Staley. Several of the individuals named have denied wrongdoing, and the Justice Department removed documents identifying victims to protect their privacy.
