Trump Blasts CNN Over ‘Exclusive’ Epstein Photo Coverage After Network Uses Previously Released Photos

President Donald Trump launched a sharp rebuke at CNN Tuesday after the network published decades-old photos showing him and his children alongside convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 

The resurfacing of these images has intensified pressure from Trump’s supporters, who are calling on the Justice Department (DOJ) to reopen and expand its investigation into Epstein’s network.

During a brief phone interview with CNN reporter Andrew Kaczynski, Trump abruptly ended the call after roughly 30 seconds, reportedly saying, “You’ve got to be kidding me,” before labeling the outlet “fake news.” 

The CNN segment had promoted the photos as “exclusive,” though they have long been available on public platforms like Google Images and Shutterstock.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the president’s reaction, describing the photos as “cherry-picked screenshots” taken out of context to imply nefarious connections. 

Cheung pointed out that Trump had banned Epstein from his clubs years ago for “being a creep,” long before Epstein faced criminal charges.

The images in question include scenes from Trump’s 1993 wedding to Marla Maples, social gatherings at the opening of the Harley Davidson Café and events at Mar-a-Lago. 

Epstein is seen mingling with Trump, his children Ivanka and Eric and then-girlfriend Melania in photos that have circulated publicly for years despite CNN’s claims of exclusivity, according to the Daily Mail.

The controversy comes amid growing dissatisfaction within Trump’s base over the handling of the Epstein case by Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel. 

Earlier this month, the two officials released a memo stating that no additional charges would be brought, a conclusion that disappointed many who believe the original investigation was mishandled or incomplete.

Facing mounting pressure, Trump instructed Bondi to take further action. 

In a recent move, the DOJ formally requested the unsealing of grand jury testimony related to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell in the Southern District of New York. 

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is also preparing to meet with Maxwell in prison to explore any additional information she may provide.

Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for her role in Epstein’s sex trafficking operation. 

Her attorneys recently sought Supreme Court review of her conviction, but the court declined to hear the case. 

The DOJ argued that Epstein’s controversial 2008 plea deal did not protect accomplices like Maxwell from prosecution.

Legal experts caution that unsealing grand jury transcripts may not yield significant new revelations, as these documents typically summarize evidence rather than provide full testimonies, the Associated Press reports. 

Nonetheless, the DOJ’s recent moves indicate the matter is being revisited amid political and public pressure.

Trump supporters have long demanded the release of Epstein’s so-called “client list,” a document they believe will expose high-profile figures involved in Epstein’s crimes. 

However, Attorney General Bondi’s office has stated that no such list exists, fueling further speculation and distrust.

While no evidence has emerged linking Trump to any criminal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, the reappearance of past photos has renewed public interest and calls for transparency. 

The scrutiny has prompted the Trump administration to reaffirm its support for a thorough investigation as the DOJ follows up on new leads.

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