Protests at Trump Tower and Renewed Scrutiny of Epstein Files Deepen Political Turbulence

NEW YORK — Several hundred demonstrators gathered outside Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue on Monday in a Presidents’ Day protest that reflected a widening convergence of grievances surrounding former President Donald J. Trump. Chanting “Impeach Trump” and holding aloft placards criticizing his foreign policy and alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein, protesters braved frigid temperatures in what organizers described as a spontaneous action fueled by mounting frustration.

The protest, loosely dubbed “Give Donald Trump the Middle Finger on Presidents’ Day,” was one of several held in major cities. In New York, demonstrators crowded behind metal barricades under the watch of a substantial police presence. While peaceful, the rally underscored the degree to which controversies that have shadowed Mr. Trump for years — particularly his past association with Mr. Epstein — remain politically potent.

The demonstration coincided with renewed debate over the scope of federal records related to Mr. Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups have questioned whether the Department of Justice has released a complete accounting of documents gathered during its investigation. Officials have said that millions of pages have been produced in various court proceedings and disclosures, but critics argue that significant material remains undisclosed.

In recent days, claims circulated online suggesting that only a fraction of the total investigative archive has been made public. Legal experts caution that estimates about the volume of unreleased material are difficult to verify and may conflate raw digital data with evidentiary documents. The Justice Department has not publicly detailed the total size of its investigative files.

Mr. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in connection with Mr. Epstein. On Monday evening, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he described himself as “totally exonerated” and dismissed suggestions that his administration had withheld information.

“I have nothing to hide,” Mr. Trump said, responding to a question about comments from Hillary Clinton that Democrats were being drawn into the Epstein matter to divert attention from him. “I’ve been totally exonerated. I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein.”

Public records show that Mr. Trump and Mr. Epstein socialized in the 1990s and early 2000s, appearing together at social events in New York and Palm Beach. Mr. Trump has said he severed ties with Mr. Epstein before the latter’s legal troubles became widely known. No charges have been filed against Mr. Trump in connection with the Epstein case, and he has not been accused by prosecutors of criminal conduct related to the trafficking operation.

Still, the issue remains politically sensitive. Protesters outside Trump Tower cited not only the Epstein case but also broader concerns about democratic norms, the rule of law and Mr. Trump’s rhetoric. Several speakers criticized what they described as an erosion of institutional guardrails and a normalization of extreme language in political discourse.

The day’s tensions were amplified by a separate controversy involving the sale of “God Bless the USA” Bibles, which Mr. Trump has publicly endorsed. In a televised segment, country singer Lee Greenwood promoted the product, describing it as a keepsake for American households. Critics have questioned the appropriateness of intertwining political branding with religious merchandise, while supporters argue that the initiative reflects patriotic values.

Meanwhile, Mr. Trump’s foreign policy posture continued to draw scrutiny. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he urged Ukrainian leaders to “come to the table fast” in ongoing diplomatic discussions over the war with Russia. Though he did not elaborate, the remarks were widely interpreted as pressure on Kyiv to accelerate negotiations.

The administration has framed its approach as pragmatic diplomacy aimed at ending a protracted conflict. However, some members of Congress — including Representative Don Bacon, Republican of Nebraska — have signaled support for measures to ensure continued U.S. backing for Ukraine. Mr. Bacon recently joined a discharge petition intended to force a House vote on additional aid, highlighting divisions within the Republican Party over America’s role in the war.

At the same time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Budapest, where he met with Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban. Mr. Rubio praised Hungary’s economic prospects and emphasized bilateral cooperation. The visit drew criticism from European lawmakers who view Mr. Orban’s government as increasingly illiberal and closely aligned with Moscow.

Analysts note that Hungary occupies a complicated position within NATO and the European Union, balancing its formal alliances with a more conciliatory stance toward Russia. The administration has defended engagement with Mr. Orban as a matter of strategic interest.

Adding another dimension to the Epstein-related scrutiny, lawmakers in New Mexico recently advanced plans for a state-level review connected to the Zorro Ranch property once owned by Mr. Epstein. The ranch, purchased in the 1990s, was among several properties linked to his operations. It was sold in 2023 to a limited liability company associated with a Texas businessman and political figure. There is no public evidence that the new owner has been implicated in any wrongdoing related to Mr. Epstein.

For protesters in New York, the convergence of these issues — domestic investigations, international diplomacy and symbolic controversies — reinforced a sense of urgency. “It’s about accountability,” said Maya Hernandez, 34, a Brooklyn resident who attended the rally. “We want transparency on the Epstein files, we want support for democratic institutions, and we want leaders who respect the rule of law.”

Supporters of Mr. Trump, however, argue that the repeated focus on Epstein-related allegations reflects partisan attempts to revive settled narratives. “This has been litigated in the court of public opinion for years,” said Daniel Harper, a Republican strategist. “The president has denied wrongdoing, and no charges have been brought against him. Voters care more about inflation, border security and national strength.”

Indeed, polling suggests that while the Epstein case generates intense interest among politically engaged audiences, economic concerns and immigration policy rank higher for many voters heading into the next election cycle.

Yet the symbolism of a Presidents’ Day protest targeting a former president is hard to ignore. The holiday, intended to commemorate the nation’s leaders, became instead a stage for a vivid display of dissent. As demonstrators dispersed in the late afternoon, some vowed to return in larger numbers.

Whether the renewed focus on the Epstein files will yield substantive new disclosures remains uncertain. Legal proceedings related to associated figures continue in various jurisdictions, and document releases often proceed incrementally under court supervision.

For now, the images of protesters gathered beneath the gilded facade of Trump Tower serve as a reminder that controversies from the past decade remain unresolved in the public imagination. In a political climate defined by polarization and distrust, even familiar disputes can quickly reignite — especially when they intersect with questions of power, secrecy and accountability.