On Friday, President Trump announced that all government documents related to American aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart will be declassified. The announcement quickly drew criticism from commentators and Democratic politicians on social media, who questioned why similar action has not been taken with the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Newsweek contacted the White House for comment on Saturday via email outside of regular office hours.
Why It Matters
President Trump had previously indicated he would release files held by the government related to convicted sex offender Epstein ahead of the 2024 presidential election. He later walked back that plan, calling the case “the Democrat Epstein Hoax,” a move that sparked frustration among some supporters.
Trump is expected to face continued pressure to release all Epstein files held by the government, though the Department of Justice has stated that no “client list” exists of those implicated in the financier’s activities, contrary to widespread speculation.
What To Know
In a post on his Truth Social website on Friday, Trump stated he was “ordering my Administration to declassify and release all Government Records related to Amelia Earhart, her final trip, and everything else about her.”
The president noted that he had been “asked by many people” to take this action, highlighting that Earhart disappeared in 1937 over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe.
However, on X, several prominent figures questioned why Trump prioritized the Earhart files over the Epstein files.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has repeatedly clashed with Trump, shared a screenshot of the president’s post with the caption: “AMERICA: Release the Epstein Files! TRUMP: Did you say Amelia Earhart?”
Ron Filipkowski, editor of self-styled “pro-democracy” news outlet Meidas Touch, commented: “The whole country wanted Jeffrey Epstein files, and Trump gives us Amelia Earhart.”
Entrepreneur Ed Krassenstein wrote: “Trump just called to release the Amelia Earhart files on Truth Social. Why doesn’t he make a post like this calling for the release of all the Epstein files?”
About Amelia Earhart
Earhart was a pioneering American aviator, becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932 and earning worldwide recognition with multiple aviation records. She was a tireless advocate for women in aviation and helped found The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots.
Her career was cut short in 1937 when she disappeared during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe, creating a mystery that continues to captivate the public nearly 90 years later.
What People Are Saying
In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote:
“I have been asked by many people about the life and times of Amelia Earhart, such an interesting story, and would I consider declassifying and releasing everything about her, in particular, her last, fatal flight! She was an Aviation Pioneer, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, and achieved many other Aviation ‘firsts.’ She disappeared in the South Pacific while trying to become the first woman to fly around the World.
Amelia made it almost three quarters around the World before she suddenly, and without notice, vanished, never to be seen again. Her disappearance, almost 90 years ago, has captivated millions. I am ordering my Administration to declassify and release all Government Records related to Amelia Earhart, her final trip, and everything else about her. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
What Happens Next
The Trump administration is likely to face additional pressure from supporters to declassify all government files related to the Epstein case.
