WASHINGTON/GEORGIA — President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Georgia, reacted Thursday to the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, calling it “a very sad thing” and quickly pivoting to his own legal battles, insisting, “I did nothing.”
Trump was asked whether similar charges could emerge in the U.S. tied to Jeffrey Epstein. He replied: “I’m the expert in a way because I’ve been totally exonerated. So, I can talk about it. It’s a very sad thing.”
Key Developments:
- Epstein Files: Millions of pages now public under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, available via DOJ’s “Epstein Library.”
- Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor Arrested: Taken into custody by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, linked to Epstein files. Released under investigation, denies wrongdoing.
- Royal Fallout: Stripped of royal titles in late 2025 after King Charles III moved to protect the monarchy’s integrity.
- Trump’s Ties to Epstein: Trump admits knowing Epstein in the 1990s–2000s but says he cut ties before Epstein’s charges. DOJ records mention Trump but do not allege criminal conduct.
The president also referenced Andrew’s family, noting King Charles III is expected to visit the U.S. in April: “His brother, who is coming to our country very soon, the king—it’s a very sad thing.”
Speaking on Air Force One on his way to Georgia, Trump was asked whether similar charges could be brought against people in the United States related to their links to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “I’m the expert in a way because I’ve been totally exonerated,” the president said. “So, I can talk about it. It’s a very sad thing.”
Trump also referenced the former Prince Andrew’s family, noting that his brother, King Charles III, is expected to visit the United States. “His brother, who is coming to our country very soon, the king—it’s a very sad thing,” Trump repeated.
King Charles is scheduled to visit the United States in April.
Trump returned to his own legal matters, again saying he had been cleared of wrongdoing. “I did nothing,” he said.
Trump’s Ties to Epstein: What To Know
Trump has acknowledged a past social relationship with Epstein, saying the two knew each other in the 1990s and early 2000s before a falling-out. Photographs and video show Trump and Epstein together at social events, including at Trump’s Mar‑a‑Lago Club in Florida, and recently released Department of Justice (DOJ) records include several mentions of Trump in Epstein‑related files.
Trump has said he ended the relationship years before Epstein’s first criminal charges, at times saying he barred Epstein from Mar‑a‑Lago, and has denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes. Trump has not been charged or accused of wrongdoing by prosecutors in connection with Epstein, and the DOJ has said that mentions in the files do not amount to evidence of criminal conduct.
Why Was Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor Arrested?
Mountbatten‑Windsor was arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office following revelations in newly released Epstein files. Authorities are investigating whether he shared confidential or sensitive government information with the disgraced financier while serving as the United Kingdom’s special representative for international trade, a role he held until 2011. Police said he was arrested at his residence in Norfolk, questioned and later released under investigation, meaning he has not been charged while inquiries continue. Mountbatten‑Windsor has denied any wrongdoing.
Why Was Andrew Stripped of His Title?
Andrew was stripped of his royal titles in late 2025 after King Charles III initiated a formal process to remove his style, honors and designation as a prince. Buckingham Palace said the decision was taken to protect the integrity of the monarchy amid years of controversy surrounding Andrew’s ties to Epstein and renewed public scrutiny. The move formally ended his use of the title “Prince” and “His Royal Highness,” after he had already stepped back from public duties and royal life. Andrew has continued to deny allegations against him.
Do We Know Andrew’s Location Now?
After his arrest, Mountbatten‑Windsor was released from police custody under investigation and was photographed leaving a police station in Norfolk. He is believed to be residing at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in eastern England, where he has lived since being required to vacate his former Windsor residence. Police have said searches at some properties have concluded, while aspects of the investigation remain ongoing.
How to View Epstein Files
The Epstein files released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act are publicly available through the DOJ’s “Epstein Library” website. The department has published millions of pages of documents, photos and other materials, with redactions applied to protect victims and sensitive information, it said. Additional Epstein‑related records have also been released by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The DOJ has said the archive may be updated if further documents are cleared for release.
