hear’s a rewritten version of the provided text, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and flow, while retaining all the original data:
Durbin Questions FBI’s Handling of Epstein Records, Cites Trump Mention Instruction
Senator Dick Durbin, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, is demanding answers from the FBI regarding the handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related records. His inquiry adds to the pressure on the Trump administration concerning Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi‘s decision to withhold evidence about Epstein,despite prior promises of public release.
Durbin’s letters, sent to FBI Director Christopher Wray and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Legal counsel, Michael Patel, raise specific concerns about the process. He questioned the reassignment of hundreds of personnel from the New York Field Office to review Epstein records in March.Furthermore, Durbin asked why these personnel were instructed to flag records mentioning President Trump.
The context for these questions stems from President Trump’s past association with Epstein,who died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting trial on child sex trafficking charges. The Wall Street Journal recently reported on a “bawdy” birthday letter from Trump to Epstein in 2003, a claim Trump has vehemently denied, threatening legal action.According to information received by Durbin’s office, the FBI allegedly placed approximately 1,000 personnel in its Information Management Division (IMD) on 24-hour shifts to review around 100,000 Epstein-related records. This review, reportedly conducted from March 14 to the end of March, was intended to produce documents for release under a tight deadline. durbin’s office was informed that hundreds of FBI New York Field Office personnel, many lacking expertise in handling sensitive information concerning child victims and witnesses or Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, were also involved.Durbin highlighted a 2002 quote from Trump about Epstein: “I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy, He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes gorgeous women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.”
CNBC has reached out to the FBI for comment on Durbin’s letters.