DOJ Faces Continued Backlash Over Limited Epstein Files Release
Partial Disclosure Sparks Criticism
The U.S. Department of Juststart (DOJ) is under scrutiny following its recent release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased sex offender. Critics, including lawmakers and survivors of Epstein’s abuse, have condemned the limited scope of the disclosures mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Signed into law last month by President Trump, the act set a deadline of December 19 for the DOJ to release a majority of government records on Epstein.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that documents would be released gradually due to the volume of material and the need to protect survivors’ identities. The first batch of records was made public on Friday, followed by a second set the next day. However, many documents were heavily redacted, with some entire pages blacked out. In addition, the DOJ removed several files without initial justification.
Concerns from Survivors and Legislators
Survivors of Epstein’s abuse, along with Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, have expressed outrage. In a statement released Monday, they accused the DOJ of violating the law by withholding substantial documents and failing to properly redact survivor identities. The survivors claimed the government released only “a fraction of the files,” highlighting excessive redactions lacking adequate explanations.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has introduced a resolution intending to compel the DOJ to adhere to the law. He has characterized the department’s handling of the file release as a “blatant cover-up” designed to shield Donald Trump from accountability.
Legislative Actions Proposed
As the Senate prepares to reconvene in the new year, Schumer is expected to advocate for a vote on the resolution aimed at righting the DOJ’s perceived wrongs. Meanwhile, Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, co-authors of the Epstein legislation, are also pushing for actions to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in “inherent contempt” of Congress. This rarely invoked power allows Congress to detain individuals until they comply with legislative requests.
Khanna emphasized the need for a bipartisan coalition, proposing to impose fines on Bondi for each day she does not release the requested documents.
Compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act
According to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the attorney general was required to make public all unclassified records related to Epstein and Maxwell within 30 days of the law’s enactment. The act restricts the DOJ from withholding, delaying, or redacting materials due to concerns about embarrassment or reputational damage, yet it allows for certain redactions to protect sensitive information.
As the DOJ navigates these complex legal requirements, critics are demanding accountability for what they perceive as a lack of transparency and compliance with the law.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Sentiment
Despite the DOJ’s efforts to address concerns, public frustration regarding Epstein and the associated disclosures remains high. President Trump commented on the ongoing scrutiny during a recent event at his Mar-a-Lago estate, expressing annoyance that focus on the Epstein documents continues to generate significant attention.
Epstein, who faced numerous allegations of sexual abuse, had previously negotiated a controversial plea deal in 2008, avoiding federal charges. His subsequent indictment on sex trafficking charges in 2019 ended with his death by suicide while in custody.
The ongoing dialogue around the release of Epstein-related files indicates that both lawmakers and survivors are committed to ensuring accountability and transparency regarding the DOJ’s actions.
Scott MacFarlane contributed to this report.