FBI Director Kash Patel told U.S. senators Tuesday there is “no credible information” in the case files showing Jeffrey Epstein trafficked young women to anyone other than himself. His comments came during a tense Senate Judiciary Committee hearing where Sen. John Kennedy pressed Patel for details about the Epstein investigation and other high-profile cases.
Patel, facing criticism over transparency and the FBI’s handling of the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, said the available files are “limited” but clear. “If there were credible evidence that Epstein trafficked to other individuals, I would bring the case yesterday,” Patel said. Asked directly if Epstein trafficked victims to “no one” else, Patel replied, “For the information that we have. In the case files.”
Kennedy warned the answer wouldn’t satisfy the public. “The central question for the American people is this: They know Epstein trafficked young women for sex with himself. What they want to know is whether he trafficked them to anyone else,” he said.
Patel blamed what he called the “original sin” of the Epstein case: a narrowly scoped 2006–2007 federal probe in Florida that led to a lenient plea deal. That agreement limited what investigators could seize, leaving the FBI with only a small set of search warrants and case files.
The lack of new evidence contrasts with victim testimony over the years that suggested other high-profile individuals were involved. Calls for the release of a so-called “client list” have grown louder as many of the federal records remain sealed.
Separately, Sen. Dick Durbin asked Patel about reports that references to former President Donald Trump were flagged by FBI officials. Patel denied any political interference, saying the Bureau has worked with the Justice Department to ensure transparency.
Patel concluded by reiterating that the mishandling of the original case still hampers justice: “If I were FBI director back then, it wouldn’t have happened.”
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