Washington/IBNS, Dec. 23 -- US President Donald Trump has publicly weighed in on the controversial release of documents linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, arguing that the disclosures risk unfairly damaging people who merely crossed paths with him years ago.

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump said the release of photographs and records could destroy the reputations of individuals who "innocently met" Epstein, despite having no involvement in his crimes.

His remarks marked his first public comments since the US Justice Department began releasing the Epstein-related materials last Friday under a congressional mandate.

Trump expressed particular sympathy for prominent Democrats whose past assoc...