NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE.
Former CIA officer and whistleblower John Kiriakou has publicly questioned the credibility of the FBI’s recent statements concerning Jeffrey Epstein, casting doubt on newly released intelligence that denies the existence of a so-called “client list” tied to Epstein’s alleged sex trafficking network.
The controversy emerged following a report published by Axios, which referenced a two-page memo from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI. This memo reportedly concluded that investigators found no evidence of a formal “client list” connected to Epstein. The document was shared with lawmakers amid widespread speculation about the identities of individuals linked to Epstein’s criminal activities.
During an appearance on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime, Kiriakou expressed skepticism about the FBI’s explanation. When asked whether he believed the bureau’s version of events, he replied bluntly, “No, I don’t think this adds up.” Kiriakou emphasized that while current FBI leadership might seek transparency, there are deeper, entrenched forces at play within the institution that aim to keep critical information hidden from the public.
He described these forces as part of the so-called “deep state,” suggesting that they have likely destroyed or suppressed evidence related to Epstein’s network. “I think that layer beneath them, that’s part of what we like to call the deep state, has taken this bull by the horns,” he stated.
Kiriakou’s doubts were grounded in historical precedent. He pointed to past government cover-ups, such as the CIA’s response to congressional orders in 1975 to release files on Project MKUltra, an infamous secret mind-control program. Despite mandates to disclose documents, the CIA reportedly destroyed much of the evidence, with only about 20% surviving.
Similarly, he noted ongoing revelations about the FBI’s surveillance of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., which continue to surface more than half a century later. “Now we’re supposed to believe that everybody’s telling the truth, that there were no files, no dossiers?” Kiriakou asked, expressing his disbelief based on his insider knowledge.
Jeffrey Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges involving minors. His death, ruled a suicide by authorities, occurred under highly questionable circumstances in a New York City federal jail a month after his arrest. Malfunctioning security cameras and absent guards fueled public suspicion.
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Donald Trump promised to release all available Epstein-related documents. FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino have also pledged transparency but continue to maintain that Epstein’s death was a suicide.
Contradicting the DOJ and FBI memo denying a client list’s existence, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed earlier this year that she had personally seen such a list. However, no details have been released publicly, and no related documents have been declassified or made available for independent verification.
The FBI and DOJ’s recent statements have met with widespread skepticism among officials, journalists, and former intelligence officers. Many are demanding the full disclosure of all remaining Epstein files to bring clarity and justice to this ongoing saga.
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