Partial Release of Epstein Documents Draws Criticism
The Justice Department continues to face significant criticism regarding its handling of files connected to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers and survivors have expressed strong disapproval of the limited nature of the document releases.
Under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was passed by Congress and signed by President Trump last month, the administration faced a December 19 deadline to release most government records. However, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche explained that the materials would be made public gradually over the coming weeks due to the volume of documents and the need to protect survivors' personal information.
Initial batches of records were released on Friday and Saturday, but many contained substantial redactions, with entire pages blacked out. The department also removed more than a dozen files without immediate explanation. In a Saturday statement on X, officials indicated that files would continue to be "reviewed and redacted consistent with the law in an abundance of caution as we receive additional information."
One removed file featured a photograph showing framed pictures, including two that appeared to depict Mr. Trump. The department stated on Sunday that this file was "temporarily removed" after federal prosecutors in New York flagged it "for potential further action to protect victims." It was later reposted after a review determined that "there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted in the photograph." Mr. Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Survivors and Lawmakers Respond
A group of survivors who were abused by Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking, called on Congress to hold hearings and take legal action to ensure compliance with the law.
"It is alarming that the United States Department of Justice, the very agency tasked with upholding the law, has violated the law, both by withholding massive quantities of documents, and by failing to redact survivor identities," they said in a statement Monday.
The survivors further claimed that the government released only "a fraction of the files," and described the disclosed material as "riddled with abnormal and extreme redactions with no explanation."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced a resolution on Monday directing the Senate to "initiate legal actions" against the Justice Department to demand compliance. The New York Democrat plans to force a vote on the measure when the Senate reconvenes in the new year.
Schumer characterized the Justice Department's approach as a "blatant cover-up," asserting that Attorney General Pam Bondi and Blanche "are shielding Donald Trump from accountability, and the Senate has a duty to act."
"The law Congress passed is crystal clear: release the Epstein files in full so Americans can see the truth," Schumer said in a statement.
Legislative Actions and Historical Context
Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna voiced their dissatisfaction with the release during an appearance on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Sunday. Both lawmakers, who authored the Epstein legislation, are discussing a resolution to hold Bondi in "inherent contempt" of Congress.
Massie described this as "the quickest way, and I think most expeditious way, to get justice for these victims." Khanna added that they are "building a bipartisan coalition, and it would fine Pam Bondi for every day that she's not releasing these documents."
Inherent contempt is a rarely used congressional power that allows lawmakers to detain individuals until they comply with demands. A 2017 Congressional Research Service report called it a "long dormant" authority.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act required the attorney general to release all unclassified records related to Epstein and Maxwell within 30 days of enactment. While the law prohibits withholding documents based on embarrassment or political sensitivity, it permits redactions to protect survivors' identities or depictions of child sexual abuse.
Epstein was under investigation in South Florida in the early 2000s but reached an agreement with federal prosecutors in Miami to avoid federal charges. He pleaded guilty to state prostitution charges and served 18 months in prison. In 2019, he was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges in New York and died by suicide in a Manhattan correctional facility weeks later.
