Schumer to File Senate Resolution for Legal Action Against DOJ Over Epstein Document Release
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced plans to file a Senate resolution compelling legal action against the Department of Justice (DOJ) for allegedly illegally releasing incomplete and heavily redacted Jeffrey Epstein files. The Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was passed nearly unanimously, requires the DOJ to release all unclassified records related to Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and associated materials. This includes internal DOJ decision-making, records related to any destruction or tampering of evidence, and documents concerning Epstein's detention and death, subject to narrow exceptions.
The DOJ released hundreds of thousands of Epstein-related documents and photos on December 19, following President Trump's signing of the act in November. However, Schumer highlighted that 119 pages of a single document were entirely blacked out, which he labeled as a violation of law and transparency obligations. Senate Judiciary Democrats, led by Dick Durbin, plan to investigate the release thoroughly and seek legal recourse, emphasizing that the release failed to meet legal standards and compromised accountability for survivors.
DOJ Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the document release will be phased, with additional materials to be published in the coming weeks. He also noted that protections are in place to safeguard victims' identities. The bipartisan criticism reflects frustration over the handling of the Epstein document release and concerns that not all pertinent documents were disclosed by the set deadline.
