Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. The Justice Department's second highest official is meeting face-to-face with Gilaine Maxwell.

The longtime Jeffrey Epstein associate appealing her 2021 conviction for helping the financier to exploit and sexually abuse underage girls.

The Trump administration is dogged by MAGA calls for full transparency about

Epstein's crimes and reported clients list. NPR's Domenico Montanera has more. The appearance of

Trump's name is not an indication of wrongdoing. He and Epstein were friends for years seen on

video partying together, even was on flight logs for Epstein's plane before falling out

over a property dispute. For Trump's part, a White House spokesperson said in a statement that

Trump kicked Epstein, quote, out of his club for being a creep and pivoted to talking about

Russia's involvement in the 2016 election.

The administration's Middle East envoy says Hamas has shown a, quote, lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.

Like Israel, the U.S. is now bringing its negotiating team home for consultations about Hamas's latest response.

More from NPR's Michelle Kellerman.

In a social media post, Trump's envoy Steve Whitko, praise the mediators for making what he calls a great

effort to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. But he says Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good

faith. Whitkoff says the U.S. will now consider alternate options to create a more stable situation in

Gaza and bring home hostages.

He did not elaborate.

His statement comes as international aid groups warn of mass starvation spreading across Gaza.

UN aid workers say the hunger crisis there has never been so dire.

The U.S. backs, a new aid group that Trump administration officials say is trying to make sure food does not benefit Hamas.

Michelle Kellerman, NPR News, the State Department.

President Trump is set to visit the Federal Reserve this afternoon.

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