Key Points
- 68 new photos released from Epstein’s property by House Oversight Committee Democrats on December 19, 2025
- Photos show “Lolita” book quotes written on a woman’s body in black ink, referencing Nabokov’s novel about a man’s obsession with a 12-year-old girl
- Passport and ID documents from Russia, Morocco, Italy, Czech Republic, South Africa, Ukraine, Lithuania
- Text messages discuss sending girls for $1,000, with specific mention of a Russian girl
- Total collection contains 95,000 images, with 68 newly released to the public
- Previous release included Trump photos, new batch includes Bill Gates, Noam Chomsky, Steve Bannon
- Democrats accuse White House of suppressing files ahead of Epstein Files Transparency Act deadline
- White House spokesperson claims Trump administration supports transparency and has taken steps to release information
Democratic lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee released 68 new photographs from Jeffrey Epstein’s property on December 19, 2025, as part of the ongoing effort to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The photos, selected from a massive collection of 95,000 images, contain extremely disturbing content that provides deeper insight into Epstein’s criminal operations. The release comes amid escalating tensions between congressional Democrats and the Trump administration over the pace and completeness of document disclosure.
The most chilling images show sentences from Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial novel “Lolita” written in black ink on a woman’s body. The book, which narrates a middle-aged man’s obsession with a 12-year-old girl, appears to have been used as a twisted form of decoration or ritualistic marking. The handwritten lines are visible on different parts of the woman’s body in multiple photos, suggesting a pattern rather than an isolated incident. Forensic experts analyzing the images note that the handwriting appears consistent across different photographs, possibly indicating Epstein’s own hand or that of a close associate.
International Victims and Passport Documentation
The newly released photos include identification documents of several women, with names redacted but countries of origin clearly visible. These documents are said to be from Russia, Morocco, Italy, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Ukraine, and Lithuania, confirming the international scope of Epstein’s trafficking network. The passports and ID cards appear to belong to young women, with birth dates indicating many were in their late teens or early twenties at the time the photos were taken.
The presence of these documents raises serious questions about how Epstein obtained them and whether they were used as leverage to control victims. Immigration law experts suggest that holding passports is a common tactic in human trafficking to prevent victims from escaping. The State Department is reportedly cross-referencing these documents with missing persons databases and visa records to identify potential victims and notify their home countries.
Evidence of Auction and Transaction Discussions
Perhaps the most incriminating evidence in the new batch is screenshots of late-night text chats in which someone discusses sending girls for a thousand dollars. One screenshot shows a text message that reads, “I’m sending the girls now,” accompanied by information related to a teenage girl, although it remains unclear who sent the message and to whom it was sent. The price of a Russian girl is explicitly mentioned as $1000, suggesting a transactional nature to Epstein’s operations.
These messages appear to be from encrypted communication apps, raising questions about how investigators gained access. Legal experts speculate that the messages may have been recovered from cloud backups or obtained through cooperating witnesses. The Department of Justice is analyzing the metadata to establish timelines and identify other participants in these conversations.
High-Profile Individuals in the Photos
The new photos include images of several prominent figures, adding another layer of complexity to the case. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, professor and political activist Noam Chomsky, and former Trump advisor Steve Bannon appear in various photographs. None of their representatives have commented so far, maintaining a strategic silence as the political fallout intensifies.
Last week, 19 photos were also released, including some pictures of current President Donald Trump. Trump had then said that everyone has photos with Epstein, and it’s not a big deal. The new batch shows Gates in what appears to be a casual setting at Epstein’s Manhattan mansion, Chomsky at a dinner event, and Bannon at a social gathering. Democratic lawmakers have clarified that the appearance of anyone in these photos does not, in itself, constitute proof of any crime, stating that the photos were released solely for the purpose of transparency.
The Political Battle Over Transparency
Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said that with the deadline for the Epstein Files Transparency Act approaching, these photos raise questions about what the Department of Justice actually possesses. He accused the White House of suppressing the information and demanded the immediate release of all remaining files. The Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed in 2024, requires the DOJ to release all unclassified documents related to the Epstein investigation by January 1, 2026.
Garcia held a press conference outside the Capitol, stating, “The Trump administration is deliberately slow-walking the release of these files to protect powerful friends. These photos prove there’s much more the public deserves to know.” He announced that Democrats would subpoena the Attorney General if full compliance is not achieved by December 31, 2025.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson, however, said that the release of these photos changes nothing. According to her, President Trump has consistently advocated for transparency regarding the Epstein files, and his administration has already taken steps in that direction. She claimed that the DOJ is processing over 2 million pages of documents and that the administration is committed to releasing everything that can be legally disclosed.
Legal Context and Investigative Timeline
The Epstein investigation has been ongoing since his arrest in July 2019 and his death in custody the following month. The Department of Justice has faced mounting pressure from victims’ rights groups and lawmakers to release all non-classified materials. The FBI’s investigation into Epstein’s network remains active, with agents reportedly pursuing leads on co-conspirators who facilitated his crimes.
The House Oversight Committee obtained the photo collection from Epstein’s properties in Palm Beach, New York, and the U.S. Virgin Islands during a review of DOJ’s evidence handling. The committee’s access was granted under congressional oversight powers, but the DOJ has resisted full public release, citing ongoing investigations and privacy concerns for victims.
Legal experts note that releasing these photos while investigations continue is unprecedented but permissible under transparency laws. Former federal prosecutor Barbara McQuade commented, “The DOJ typically holds evidence close until trials are complete, but congressional pressure and public interest have forced an unusual level of disclosure.”
Victim Advocacy Groups Respond
Victim advocacy organizations have expressed mixed feelings about the photo releases. While they welcome transparency, they worry about retraumatizing survivors. “Every image released represents a real person who suffered unimaginable trauma,” said J. Dennis, founder of the Victims Refuse Silence organization. “We must balance the public’s right to know with the victims’ right to privacy and healing.”
Some groups are calling for the establishment of a victim notification system before any future releases, allowing survivors to prepare emotionally or object to specific disclosures. The DOJ has reportedly assigned victim specialists to monitor the impact of these releases and provide support services.
International Diplomatic Implications
The release of passport documents from seven countries has triggered diplomatic inquiries. The Russian Embassy in Washington has requested a briefing from the State Department, while Ukraine’s government has asked the FBI for assistance in identifying any Ukrainian citizens who may have been victims. The Czech Republic and Lithuania have launched their own investigations into how their citizens may have been trafficked.
The international dimension complicates the investigation, as Epstein’s network spanned multiple jurisdictions with different legal standards for evidence sharing. Interpol has established a task force to coordinate between countries, but progress has been slow due to political sensitivities and varying levels of cooperation.
What Happens Next, Investigation and Release Schedule
With the January 1, 2026 deadline looming, the DOJ faces a massive undertaking to review and release remaining documents. Officials estimate that only 40% of the Epstein files have been processed for public release. The remaining materials include thousands of hours of video footage, encrypted communications, and financial records spanning decades.
The FBI is reportedly preparing a final investigative report that could lead to new indictments of Epstein’s associates. Sources suggest that prosecutors are focusing on two unnamed individuals who allegedly served as “fixers” for Epstein, arranging travel and accommodations for victims. These individuals could face charges in early 2026.
Congressional Democrats have vowed to continue pressing for full disclosure. Representative Garcia announced that the Oversight Committee will hold hearings in January 2026 to question DOJ officials about the pace of releases and to hear testimony from victims’ families. He also indicated that the committee may seek to expand the Epstein Files Transparency Act to mandate faster processing of similar cases in the future.
