Epstein Files Release Sparks Resignations Across UK, US And Europe

Epstein Files Release Sparks Resignations Across UK, US And Europe

London/Washington: The release of a new tranche of documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has triggered political and institutional fallout across the United States, the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, prompting several high-profile resignations.

The US Department of Justice recently made public roughly three million emails and 1,800 photographs detailing Epstein’s extensive network of contacts. The records outline communications with politicians, diplomats, business leaders and cultural figures — including individuals who remained in touch with Epstein after his 2008 conviction.

According to reports, the documents reference US President Donald Trump, his wife and his Mar-a-Lago club approximately 38,000 times. While the disclosures have generated debate in the US, the most immediate political consequences have been felt in the UK and Europe.

Resignations Linked To The Files

Peter Mandelson

Former UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords after emails linked him to Epstein. British media outlets reported that some messages appeared to reference confidential government communications from his time as business secretary.

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Reports also suggested Mandelson received payments from Epstein. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Morgan McSweeney

Morgan McSweeney, Chief of Staff to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stepped down on February 8, taking “full responsibility” for advising the Prime Minister to appoint Mandelson as Britain’s envoy to Washington.

Brad Karp

In the United States, Brad Karp resigned as chairman of the prominent Wall Street law firm Paul, Weiss after emails revealed personal and professional exchanges with Epstein. According to Reuters, the communications included social meetings and a request for assistance in securing work for Karp’s son.

The firm said Karp regretted the interactions and stated he neither witnessed nor participated in any misconduct.

David A. Ross

New York-based art curator David A. Ross resigned from the School of Visual Arts after documents showed he maintained contact with Epstein following his conviction. Emails from 2009 included praise for Epstein.

Ross later described his support for Epstein in 2019 as “a terrible mistake of judgment.”

Miroslav Lajcak

Slovakia’s National Security Adviser Miroslav Lajcak also stepped down after records indicated he exchanged messages with Epstein in 2017 and 2018 while serving as foreign minister. The BBC reported that the communications touched on women and diplomatic matters.

Lajcak denied any wrongdoing but said he resigned to prevent political fallout.

Joanna Rubinstein

Joanna Rubinstein resigned as president of the Swedish branch of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees after her contact with Epstein was disclosed in the DOJ release. Swedish outlet Expressen reported that she visited Epstein’s private island in 2012.

Calls For Further Accountability

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has faced calls to resign after acknowledging multiple meetings with Epstein over a 14-year period. During a Senate hearing, Lutnick confirmed having lunch with Epstein and his family on the financier’s private island in 2012.

“We had lunch on the island, that is true, for an hour,” Lutnick said, adding that he “barely had anything to do” with Epstein. He has not stepped down.

The newly released files have renewed scrutiny of prominent figures who interacted with Epstein, intensifying debates over accountability and the responsibilities of public officials and institutions in addressing past associations.