DOJ Releases Limited Epstein Files Amid Criticism; Economic and International Updates
The Department of Justice released a heavily redacted trove of Jeffrey Epstein files, removing at least 16 documents from the public site, according to the Associated Press. This release reportedly violates the Epstein Transparency Act, which required near-complete disclosure of Epstein files by December 19.
Lawmakers including Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie criticized the incomplete release. Khanna called it insufficient with excessive redactions and stated they are exploring options such as impeachment, contempt of Congress, and prosecutions for obstruction. Massie argued that the Epstein Files Transparency Act is not equivalent to a congressional subpoena and could enable convictions of the current attorney general and others.
Among the documents released was an image showing Donald Trump alongside Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Melania Trump. A spokesperson for Bill Clinton accused the White House of scapegoating Clinton in relation to the release, claiming the timing was an attempt to shield the White House rather than Clinton himself.
In related news, U.S. forces intercepted a second oil-carrying merchant vessel, Centuries, off Barbados in international waters as part of a Venezuela blockade. This follows the seizure of a previous tanker on December 10.
Economic context for 2025 indicates slower job growth, with about 55,000 jobs added monthly in the first eleven months, a 67% decline compared to 2024. The unemployment rate stood at 4.6% in November, the highest in over four years.
