Epstein files trigger political fallout in Europe

The U.S. Justice Department’s latest release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has triggered political repercussions in the UK and other European countries, but far fewer in the U.S.

UNITED KINGDOM

Peter Mandelson
Fired as British ambassador to U.S. amid allegations that he sent confidential information to Epstein. Arrested on Feb 23; Released pending further investigation

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: Former Prince Andrew, lost royal titles in late 2025. Arrested on Feb 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office; Released under investigation

Morgan McSweeney
Resigns on Feb 8 as chief of staff to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over role in appointment of Mandelson as U.S. ambassador

NORWAY

Thorbjørn Jagland
Former prime minister and previously Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Criminally charged with “gross corruption” over his ties with Epstein

Mona Juul: Resigns as ambassador to Jordan and Iraq on Feb 8, after media reports that each of her children would receive $5m in a will allegedly signed by Epstein. Under investigation

Terje Rød-Larsen
Former president of International Peace Institute (IPI) and Juul’s husband. Investigated for corruption involvement

SLOVAKIA

Miroslav Lajčák
Resigns as national security adviser to Slovakia’s prime minister Robert Fico, after release of emails in which he appears to discuss young women with Epstein

FRANCE

Jack Lang
Former France’s culture minister. Resigns as head of Arab World Institute on Feb 7 aftes being investigated for suspected “laundering of the proceeds of tax evasion”

SWEDEN
Joanna Rubinstein
Resigns as chair of Sweden for UN High Commission for Refugees after revelations that she and her family visited Epstein on his private island in 2012

UNITED STATES

George Mitchell
Former Democratic senator from Maine, resigns as honorary chair of Mitchell Institute on Feb 6, following renewed scrutiny over his connections to Epstein

Sources: Reuters, BBC, AP
Pictures: Newscom, Getty Images
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