The US Department of Justice on Wednesday revealed that federal prosecutors in Manhattan and the FBI have identified over one million additional documents that are “potentially” linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The department noted that it could take “a few more weeks” to review and release these records to the public. According to CNN, approximately 750,000 documents have already been reviewed and made public, leaving around 700,000 more to be examined. In a post on X, the department stated that it received these documents from the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI, in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, other relevant laws, and court orders.
DOJ begins review of over one million new Epstein-Related documents
“The US Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the FBI have informed the Department of Justice that they have uncovered over a million more documents potentially related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. The DOJ has received these documents from SDNY and the FBI to review them for release, in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, existing statutes, and judicial orders.”
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“We have lawyers working around the clock to review and make the legally required redactions to protect victims, and we will release the documents as soon as possible. Due to the mass volume of material, this process may take a few more weeks. The Department will continue to fully comply with federal law and President Trump’s direction to release the files,” the post further added.
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Lawmakers, survivors criticize DOJ over Epstein File handling
Lawmakers and survivors have expressed strong criticism of the Justice Department’s management of the Epstein files, citing inconsistent redactions that sometimes protect Epstein’s associates while exposing victims’ personal information.
Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, who helped push for the law mandating the release of Epstein-related documents, promised to keep pressuring the DOJ. Khanna said, “After we threatened contempt, the DOJ has now found millions more documents to release. The Epstein class must move forward.”
Rep. Robert Garcia, a senior Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, called it “outrageous” that over a million documents were withheld. She stated that the committee wants to hear from whistleblowers or DOJ staff who can help ensure justice for survivors. Garcia added, “Every day we see lies, incompetence, missed deadlines, and illegal redactions. Pam Bondi must testify under oath before Congress. Whistleblowers, you are legally protected and should come forward to help bring justice.”
DOJ Explains Delay in Epstein Document Release
The US Justice Department has faced criticism for missing the December 19 deadline to release all Epstein-related documents. Officials say the delay is due to the careful redaction of sensitive information, including the identities of victims and other legally protected details.
Documents have been released in batches over the past week:
- The first major release on the Friday deadline
- A second batch on Saturday
- A third batch on Tuesday, which included several references to former President Donald Trump
What the Documents Reveal
The recent releases include:
- Records showing Trump flew on Epstein’s private plane multiple times in the 1990s
- A subpoena issued to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club before Ghislaine Maxwell’s 2021 trial
- A letter allegedly from Epstein to convicted sex offender Larry Nassar mentioning Trump, which the DOJ has declared fake
- Photos of former President Bill Clinton with Epstein and Maxwell, with Clinton’s spokesperson noting that some individuals cut ties before Epstein’s crimes came to light
Other materials reveal the FBI’s efforts to identify additional potential co-conspirators. Some names remain redacted, but Ghislaine Maxwell, Jean-Luc Brunel, and Leslie Wexner are mentioned. Wexner has denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes.