Sen. Wyden Demands Release of Epstein Financial Records from Treasury Secretary

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, is urging Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to release files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Wyden’s request, made in a letter dated September 2, 2025, follows multiple previous attempts to gain access to the information, which he believes could illuminate financial transactions tied to Epstein’s sex trafficking activities.

Epstein, a financier, died by suicide in a New York City jail in 2019 while facing federal sex trafficking charges. Wyden has been investigating Epstein’s financial dealings for years. In his letter, he specifically asked for “all files related to transactions with Epstein and any co-conspirators,” including suspicious activity reports (SARs) from financial institutions.

Wyden claimed these reports outline significant payments made to and from Epstein, his convicted accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and numerous other individuals. “The Treasury records shine a light on how high-profile individuals paid Epstein staggering sums of money,” Wyden stated, emphasizing the need for transparency.

Despite repeated calls from Wyden, Bessent has declined to produce the requested documents. Wyden has indicated that this refusal amounts to a lack of accountability and potentially obstructs justice. “The facts are clear. Treasury has the authority to produce the Epstein files to the Finance Committee. You have simply chosen not to,” Wyden noted in his correspondence.

A spokesperson for the Treasury Department countered Wyden’s claims, referring to them as “political theater” and asserting that the administration is committed to transparency. “We take requests from Congress very seriously and follow longstanding protocol to address them,” the spokesperson said.

Wyden’s latest appeal highlights a growing bipartisan push from lawmakers for increased transparency regarding Epstein’s financial network. Recently, women victimized by Epstein also called for the release of related records, indicating a widespread demand for accountability.

In his push for transparency, Wyden has set a deadline of September 11 for the Treasury to turn over all documents related to Epstein and his associates, including several major banks that may have engaged in transactions with him.

<p“Thorough vetting of Epstein’s finances should not be a partisan issue,” Wyden concluded. “This is about transparency and accountability for the victims of Epstein’s sex trafficking activities.”