A newly resurfaced video released by the U.S. Department of Justice is sparking renewed public anger and disbelief over Jeffrey Epstein’s mentality and how he perceived his own actions.
The footage, part of Friday’s large-scale disclosure known as the Epstein files, features a previously unseen, nearly two-hour interview between Epstein and Steve Bannon, a former adviser to President Donald Trump. The conversation is believed to have been recorded at Epstein’s New York residence sometime after his 2008 conviction. The latest release reportedly includes more than 2,000 videos and 180,000 images connected to investigations into Epstein’s criminal activities and his extensive network of associates.
One segment from the interview has quickly gone viral, capturing a disturbing exchange in which Epstein is asked a startling question: “Do you think you’re the devil himself?”
Epstein responded with unsettling calmness. “No, but I do have a good mirror,” he said while smirking.
When Bannon pushed further, Epstein briefly appeared uncomfortable, scratching his head before responding, “I don’t know. Why would you say that?”
Bannon continued pressing him, claiming Epstein displayed “all the attributes” of the devil, including intelligence, manipulation, and control. Epstein challenged the statement, asking, “The devil is smart?” before adding moments later, “No, the devil scares me.”
The interview becomes increasingly disturbing as Epstein attempts to downplay his criminal record. Despite pleading guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl — a conviction that required him to register as a sex offender — Epstein rejected the label of being a major predator. When Bannon described him as a “class three sexual predator,” Epstein protested.
“No, I’m the lowest,” he said.
“But a criminal,” Bannon responded.
“Yes,” Epstein admitted.
The conversation also touched on Epstein’s wealth and its origins. Bannon questioned whether Epstein’s fortune was “dirty,” accusing him of earning money by advising “the worst people in the world.” Epstein denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that his financial success was legal while arguing that morality is complex.
“Ethics is always a complicated subject,” he said.
He further suggested that his donations to causes such as polio eradication could justify the origins of his wealth, implying that families would accept financial support if it meant safeguarding their children, regardless of the source.
Epstein was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges involving minors in both Florida and New York. He died by suicide in his jail cell on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial.
The newly released interview is part of a wider transparency initiative following the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, unanimously approved by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump in November 2025.
For many observers, the video offers not only further insight into Epstein’s crimes but also a disturbing look into how he rationalized his behavior. Critics say one chilling remark continues to stand out:
“No, but I do have a good mirror.”
