WASHINGTON / LONDON – On February 4, 2026, US President Donald Trump made a public plea for the country to “move on” from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, even as the fallout continues to dismantle high-profile careers and trigger new criminal investigations on both sides of the Atlantic.
The latest release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice has reignited legal and political firestorms, specifically targeting the British establishment and the American political elite.
1. Peter Mandelson: The Fall of the “Prince of Darkness”
In one of the most significant political exits in recent British history, Peter Mandelson has officially resigned from the House of Lords effective February 4, 2026.
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Criminal Probe: The Metropolitan Police have launched a formal investigation into Mandelson for “misconduct in public office.”
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Market-Sensitive Leaks: Files suggest that while serving as Business Secretary in 2009, Mandelson forwarded a confidential economic briefing—intended for then-PM Gordon Brown—to Epstein.
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Financial Ties: Records indicate Epstein transferred $75,000 in three payments to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner between 2003 and 2004.
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Political Condemnation: Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Mandelson had “let his country down” and confirmed the government would cooperate fully with police.
2. US Fallout: The Clintons to Testify
In Washington, the House Oversight Committee has successfully compelled Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify after months of resistance.
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Dates Set: Hillary Clinton is scheduled for a deposition on February 26, followed by former President Bill Clinton on February 27, 2026.
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Contempt Averted: The couple agreed to the transcribed, filmed depositions only after the Committee threatened a formal Contempt of Congress vote.
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Trump’s Reaction: Trump characterized the scandal as a “Democrat problem,” while insisting he has been “fully cleared” by the latest trove of documents.
3. The Royal Connection & Charity Closures
The scandal continues to erode the reputation of the British Royal Family and their associates:
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Prince Andrew: Police are “assessing” claims from a second woman alleging she was trafficked for an encounter with the former prince. New photos show Andrew in compromising positions at Epstein’s properties.
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Sarah’s Trust: The charity founded by Sarah Ferguson (the former Duchess of York) announced its permanent closure this week following the release of “embarrassing” emails where she referred to Epstein as “the brother I always wished for.”
Redaction Crisis
The release has not been without errors. The US Justice Department was forced to briefly take down the file repository after failing to properly redact the names of several victims. US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the files are being re-processed to protect victim privacy.
