Former President Donald Trump recently discussed why he thought so many famous people got close with Jeffery Epstein, saying he was “a good salesman.”
Trump was asked about the Epstein list by podcast host Lex Fridman, saying he would have “no problem” releasing more files surrounding him and his case if he is re-elected.
Epstein, who died in 2019, pleaded guilty in 2008 to separate sexual misconduct charges but was later arrested again in 2019 for his role in allegedly leading a sex trafficking operation involving underage girls from 2002 to 2005.
Fridman also asked Trump why “so many smart, powerful people” allowed Epstein to get close to them.
“He was a good salesman. He was a hailing, hearty type of guy,” Trump said. “He had some nice assets that he’d throw around like islands, but a lot of big people went to that island. But fortunately, I was not one of them.”
While many have called for the list of Epstein’s associates to be released, Trump said that it is “very interesting” nothing has been done.
“I’d certainly take a look at it. Now, Kennedy’s interesting because it’s so many years ago. They do that for danger too, because it endangers certain people… so Kennedy is very different from the Epstein thing,” Trump said. “But I’d be inclined to do the Epstein. I’d have no problem with it.”
In January, a court unsealed documents that mentioned high-profile friends of Epstein and victims who had spoken publicly about him.
Those mentioned in the documents as being previously associated with Epstein include Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and several more high-profile people. However, the documents did not provide much information outside what was already known.