The US Department of Justice has released large batches of the Jeffrey Epstein files, a massive trove of documents tied to the late financier’s criminal network, after Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act in late 2025.
In the released material, Donald Trump’s name appears multiple times, including in flight logs showing he was listed as a passenger on Epstein’s private jet in the 1990s. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and called suggestions otherwise unfounded, even as critics call for full transparency.
A video montage of four different videos of protests has gone viral on social media with a caption suggesting that it shows people protesting against Donald Trump after his name appeared on the Epstein files. The text embedded in the video reads, “EPSTEIN FILES SPARK MASSIVE PROTEST: CROWD GATHERS AT TRUMP TOWER AFTER EPSTEIN DOCUMENTS GO PUBLIC.”
A social media user shared the video with a caption that reads, “Epstein Files Spark Massive Protest: Crowd Gathers at Trump Tower After Epstein Documents Go Public.”
Video 1
On a Google reverse image search, we found that the same video was shared by a Facebook user on October 21, 2025. However, the Epstein file was released after being made public on December 19, 2025, after the US Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requiring the Department of Justice to release them within 30 days. Hence, we can ascertain that the viral video is old.
We further found the same video was shared by an Instagram user on October 20, 2025, with a caption that reads, “TRUMP Piñata SMASHED in Chicago! Viral Anti-Trump 'No Kings' Protest Goes Wild. A massive and creative anti-Trump protest took over the streets of Chicago as demonstrators—many associated with the 'No Kings' movement—used a piñata shaped like the former president as a symbol of their political opposition. The protest, taking place directly in front of a building bearing the "TRUMP" name, features crowds holding signs against authoritarianism, supporting immigrants ("ICE Out of Illinois"), and chanting anti-Trump slogans. The video highlights the theatrical and highly viral nature of political dissent in the US. Watch the full chaotic and humorous scene of the Trump piñata being smashed!”
We further found that the same image was shared by Getty Images with a caption that reads, “A protester hits a piñata that is in the shape of Donald Trump during the second 'No Kings" protest on October 18, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. Organisers expect millions to participate in cities and towns across the nation for the second "No Kings" protest to denounce the Trump administration. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)”
Hence, we can ascertain that the viral video is old and unrelated to the release of the Epstein files.
Video 2
On a Google reverse image search, we found that a screenshot of the same video was shared by Solidarit.US on October 30, 2025. The caption associated with the image reads, “Organizers estimate that 250,000 people rallied in Downtown Chicago during the No Kings Day protest on October 18, 2025.”
The same image was also shared by Blockclubchicago on October 18, 2025. The report associated with the image suggests that thousands of people rallied in downtown Chicago at the “No Kings” protest to condemn President Donald Trump’s policies, especially immigration enforcement and alleged authoritarianism, as part of a nationwide day of demonstrations. Protesters marched through Grant Park and city streets with chants and signs, and local officials joined the crowd in a largely peaceful show of opposition.
Hence, we can ascertain that the viral video is old.
Video 3
On a Google reverse image search, we found that the same video was shared by a YouTube channel on January 16, 2026, with a caption that reads, “In January 2026, thousands of protesters gathered in New York City for the "No War, No Kings, No ICE" march, passing by Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue to voice their opposition to the policies of President Donald Trump's second administration.”
We further found that the same video was also shared by a Facebook page where the viral clip was uploaded on January 18, 2026. According to the reports, Protesters were seen showing the middle finger toward the name of Donald Trump, using the gesture as a sign of anger and political dissent. The act reflected strong opposition sentiments, with demonstrators expressing frustration over Trump’s policies and leadership, fueling heated debate and reactions both on the streets and online.
Hence, we can ascertain that the viral video is unrelated to the Epstein files.
Video 4
The fourth clip is a montage of protest footage from multiple cities, including Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, New York City, San Diego, and Boston. A reverse image search traced the video to a YouTube channel where it was uploaded on October 19, 2025.
Another Instagram user also shared the same clip on December 24, 2025, with a caption that reads, “Event organisers say an estimated 7 million people peacefully protested in today’s “No Kings” rallies, with more than 2,700 organized events spanning all 50 states — and several more planned internationally, like London, Paris, and Rome.”
Hence, we can ascertain that the viral video is also unrelated to the Epstein files.
