In reporting our story for the magazine today, which is adapted from our book publishing later this month, we documented many previously undisclosed conversations and conflicts that surprised us. We found that the Epstein files didn’t just embarrass the White House — they consumed and paralyzed President Trump’s most senior aides for the better part of a year, far more than the public knew. The officials turned the Situation Room, where classified and high-stakes national security matters are discussed and decided, into an Epstein war room — meeting in secret, away from other aides to avoid leaks and away from the president, who wanted the subject buried. The president’s refusal to acknowledge that a crisis existed, let alone that it was growing, complicated every path his team wanted to take. More than a year later, the files were still damaging the president. Stay in touch: Like this email? Forward it to a friend and help us grow. Loved a story? Hated it? Write us a letter at magazine@nytimes.com. Did a friend forward this to you? Sign up here to get the magazine newsletter.
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