How Europe Is Investigating the Epstein Files

WSJ What’s News

The Wall Street Journal

News, Daily News

4.1 • 4.2K Ratings

🗓️ 20 February 2026

⏱️ 13 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

A.M. Edition for Feb. 20. Authorities from France, Norway, the U.K. and elsewhere across Europe are investigating evidence of potential crimes within recently-released Jeffrey Epstein files, while Justice Department officials say those documents warrant no further prosecutions. WSJ reporter Matthew Dalton breaks down their differing approaches. Plus, warning signs from the private-credit market invite comparisons to the runup to the global financial crisis. And President Trump orders the release of government files on UFOs after former President Obama says aliens exist. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:28.2	July 24 to June 2025.
0:33.7	Jitters in private credit markets prompt comparisons to the run-up to the financial crisis.
0:38.8	Plus, we'll look at how Europe is leading investigations related to Jeffrey Epstein.
0:43.7	European officials and prosecutors tend to be more independent than their counterparts in the U.S.
0:49.8	And so they may have more latitude to bring investigations against high-profile people who have ties to the government.
0:58.3	And President Trump orders the release of government files on UFOs after Obama says that aliens exist.
1:05.7	It's Friday, February 20th.
1:07.4	I'm Lou Vargas for the Wall Street Journal, and here is the AM edition of
1:10.9	What's News, the top headlines and business stories moving your world today.
1:19.2	Private credit markets are flashing warning signs after the industry's poster child,
1:24.2	Blue Owl Capital, blocked everyday investors from withdrawing their money from one of
1:28.5	its funds. The move got the attention of Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, who's calling for
1:33.4	more oversight. Meanwhile, nervous investors sent shares in other private credit firms lower,
	...

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