The Justice Department missed its Friday deadline to comply with transparency legislation mandating full disclosure of remaining Jeffrey Epstein documents.
Bipartisan Frustration Mounts
On Monday, congressional anger intensified over the delayed release of Epstein-related materials, with legislators threatening to pursue contempt proceedings against Attorney General Pam Bondi. Former President Bill Clinton simultaneously called for immediate publication of any documents referencing him.
"The DOJ needs to quit protecting the rich, powerful, and politically connected," stated Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, in a social media post.
Thousands of documents concerning Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in 2019, were made public by the Justice Department last Friday.
Political Divisions Emerge
The prolonged Epstein document controversy has created internal Republican Party divisions, with Trump's core supporters demanding complete transparency. While occasionally dismissing the matter as a Democratic "hoax," Trump has signed legislation requiring full disclosure.
During a Monday press conference primarily focused on naval announcements, Trump addressed questions about potential Clinton photographs in the released files.
"I don't like pictures of Bill Clinton being shown. I don't like pictures of others being shown, it's a terrible thing," Trump remarked.
He added that many Republicans view the document releases as attempts to distract from administration achievements.
Clinton's Response
Earlier Monday, Clinton spokesperson Angel Urena issued a statement urging Bondi to promptly release all remaining Epstein materials referencing Clinton, including photographs.
"Someone or something is being protected. We do not know who, what, or why. But we do know this," Urena declared, continuing, "We need no such protection."
Urena expressed "widespread suspicion" that the Justice Department employs selective releases to imply wrongdoing about individuals previously cleared by the same agency.
Legislative Action
Massie and California Democratic Representative Ro Khanna announced they are collaborating with other lawmakers to obtain Epstein investigation documents.
In a media interview, they indicated they would seek contempt charges against Bondi in the House next month if necessary. Following a "30-day grace period," they plan to pursue daily fines up to $5,000 until documents are delivered.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer introduced legislation directing Republican Majority Leader John Thune to take legal measures ensuring congressional access to all documents covered by existing law.
It remains uncertain whether this initiative will progress when the Senate reconvenes on January 5.
Department Response
Justice Department spokesperson Chad Gilmartin affirmed the agency "will continue to release thousands of pages of material, and no redactions will be made to protect any famous or politically sensitive people."
Despite releasing two document batches on Friday and Saturday, the Department failed to satisfy critics regarding handling of the process.
An Epstein survivors' group complained Monday that the public has received only "a fraction of the files" containing "abnormal and extreme redactions with no explanation," while some victim identities remained unredacted.
The Justice Department maintains it continues processing additional documents for congressional release.
