What’s Really Inside the Epstein Files? Sarah Isgur Breaks It Down
When people hear the phrase “Epstein files,” it often sparks images of secret lists and explosive revelations. But according to The Dispatch Senior Editor Sarah Isgur, the reality is far more complex and less cinematic. On today's podcast, Isgur gives an insider’s look at what’s actually locked inside the Department of Justice's Epstein investigation files and why most of it may never be made public.
“What people don’t understand,” Isgur explains, “is that the Epstein files aren’t just a folder marked ‘Epstein’ sitting on a DOJ desk. They include everything from videos that are basically pornography with victims in them, to witness statements and grand jury testimony.” She notes there’s no actual “Epstein list” of names — no documented client list kept by Epstein that would confirm conspiracy theories. Instead, the files contain raw evidence collected during raids, victim interviews, and sensitive grand jury material.
Much of that content is sealed by court order, and for good reason. “It’s illegal to release grand jury material,” Isgur says. “It would certainly be a very bad idea to release videos of child pornography publicly. DOJ is under an obligation to protect victims.” Even so, she acknowledges that releasing redacted, procedural material might have helped counter public suspicion. “I’m a little bit surprised they didn’t release more.”
Isgur also pulls back the curtain on the political tension now swirling inside the DOJ. Figures like FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Attorney General Pam Bondi — once vocal advocates for Epstein file transparency — are now responsible for keeping those same files sealed. “They get into the office, and now they’re saying, ‘We’re not going to release anything. You just need to trust us.’”
In the full podcast episode, Isgur walks listeners through DOJ policy, the politics behind the scenes, and what the public can realistically expect. Listen now to hear her full breakdown and find out why, as Isgur puts it, “there’s not a whole lot there that’s going to help the conspiracy theories people have.”