Justice Department Prepares to Release Trove of Epstein-Related Files Ahead of Deadline
The U.S. Department of Justice aims to release hundreds of thousands of pages of Epstein-related records by Friday, as required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The act mandates the release of all unclassified material related to the sex-trafficking cases against Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days. However, it permits withholding or redacting information, including references to victims, attorney-client privileged communications, and documents that could jeopardize ongoing investigations, litigation, or national defense and foreign policy.
Materials compiled for the release have been collected from the FBI, the Southern District of New York, and other entities, and are currently under review by the National Security Division. Additional files may emerge after the deadline passes.
Attorney General Pam Bondi faces pressure from victim advocates and members of Congress to meet the deadline. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has warned against withholding documents or abusing exemptions. Representative Thomas Massie predicted the release will include at least 20 newly named individuals and argued that the absence of such names would indicate an incomplete production, contrasting with a DOJ memo stating nothing warranted further investigation.
The disclosures are set against a backdrop of political contention, including criticism from Trump allies and ongoing debate over the transparency bill. Notably, Ghislaine Maxwell recently moved to vacate her conviction just days before the files are to be released. Epstein and Maxwell were federally indicted on sex-trafficking charges involving the abuse of underage girls.
