Epstein FOIA Revelations Spark Discussion
On a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” former State Department official Mike Benz described the CIA’s response to Jeffrey Epstein’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from 2011 as a “bombshell.” This came on the heels of the Department of Justice releasing over 3 million pages of documents on Epstein last Friday, which included correspondence from the CIA.
Benz mentioned that Congress has the potential to push for the immediate release of additional CIA documents related to Epstein, suggesting the agency likely possesses years’ worth of records on him. He noted that back in 1999, when Epstein filed his initial FOIA request, he was still a private figure and not the public persona he became in the early 2000s.
“Any response to a FOIA request, by law, is not classified,” Benz pointed out. “So, technically, anyone can request all communications related to Epstein from the CIA from back then. It’s all on the table.”
He recapped the CIA’s 2011 response to Epstein, which acknowledged receiving his request for records but essentially denied access to any confidential documents. This was interpreted as a partial denial, hinting at sensitive information involved.
Benz emphasized that the implied sensitivity behind Epstein’s inquiries should raise concerns. He referred to a bill passed by 427 House members and the entire Senate in 1992, which mandated an independent audit of classified records related to the JFK assassination. He believes a similar legislative effort could be made concerning Epstein’s records.
“If we can create that level of oversight for JFK, why can’t we do it for Epstein?” Benz questioned. He stressed that all it would take is one courageous member of Congress to initiate this process.
The recent release of documents highlighted communications Epstein had with prominent figures, including former White House adviser Steve Bannon, Elon Musk, and several European officials. Interestingly, both former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have now offered to testify before the House Oversight Committee regarding the Epstein matter after initially resisting.
