In a riveting segment on “The Late Show” that has ignited nationwide controversy, Stephen Colbert delved into the latest batch of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents released by the Department of Justice in late December 2025. The comedian, known for his incisive political satire, highlighted how President Donald Trump’s name appears hundreds of times across tens of thousands of pages, uncovering details about previously unreported flights on Epstein’s private jet alongside Ghislaine Maxwell and subpoenas directed at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Airing just days after the DOJ’s disclosure on December 23, 2025, Colbert’s monologue amplified the revelations, blending humor with pointed commentary that has fueled intense debates across political lines.
The documents stem from ongoing investigations into Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in custody in 2019, and his associate Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for sex trafficking minors. Flight logs detailed in the files show Trump as a passenger on at least eight occasions between 1993 and 1996, with Maxwell present on at least four of those trips. One flight in 1993 listed Trump and Epstein as the sole passengers, while others included Trump’s then-fiancée Marla Maples, his young children Eric and Tiffany, and unidentified women who could potentially serve as witnesses in related cases. These travels occurred during a period overlapping with the timeline of Maxwell’s criminal activities, which spanned from 1994 to 2004.
Adding to the intrigue, the files include two subpoenas issued in 2021 to Mar-a-Lago, seeking employment records for an individual whose name was redacted. This likely pertains to Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers who worked at the Florida resort as a teenager in 2000, where she claims Maxwell recruited her into Epstein’s network. In response, Mar-a-Lago provided a letter confirming employment, tying back to Trump’s past statements about severing ties with Epstein after he allegedly poached spa staff from the club. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that his interactions with Epstein were social and limited, and that he banned him from Mar-a-Lago upon learning of his behavior.
Colbert’s broadcast framed these disclosures as a “bombshell,” joking about the irony of Trump’s frequent appearances in the files while critiquing the president’s efforts to downplay the connections. The segment quickly went viral, with clips amassing millions of views on platforms like YouTube and social media. Public reaction has been polarized: supporters of Trump dismiss the mentions as innocuous, pointing out that no criminal charges have been filed against him in connection to Epstein or Maxwell. Critics, however, argue the volume of references—hundreds in total—raises questions about the depth of their association, especially given Epstein’s notorious activities.
Social media erupted immediately after the release and Colbert’s coverage. Hashtags like #EpsteinFiles and #TrumpEpstein trended globally, with users sharing snippets of the documents and speculating on implications. Far-right commentators accused the DOJ of political timing, noting the release coincided with the holiday season and ongoing debates about Trump’s administration. Meanwhile, left-leaning voices amplified Colbert’s take, using it to question Trump’s transparency. The DOJ has clarified that some claims in the files are “untrue and sensationalist,” but the sheer number of pages—nearly 30,000—has overwhelmed analysts, who continue sifting through redacted tax returns, internal jail communications from Epstein’s final days, and other materials.
This development caps a tumultuous year in U.S. politics, where Epstein’s shadow has loomed large. Trump, in his second non-consecutive term, has faced scrutiny over past associations, including photos from the 1990s showing him socializing with Epstein and Maxwell at events. The president has countered by highlighting his administration’s efforts against human trafficking. As investigations persist, these files could influence public perception heading into 2026, potentially affecting midterm elections. Colbert’s role in spotlighting the story underscores late-night television’s influence in shaping discourse, turning dense legal documents into accessible, albeit controversial, entertainment. With more releases possibly forthcoming, the full impact remains unfolding, keeping the nation on edge amid shockwaves rippling through Washington and beyond.
