DOJ Needs Additional Weeks to Complete Epstein Files Release: NPR

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it requires additional weeks to complete the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. This delay follows the discovery of over one million potentially relevant files. The deadline for this release was mandated by Congress and had originally been set for last Friday.

New Developments in the Epstein Case

This announcement was made on Christmas Eve, a day on which a group of twelve U.S. senators urged the department’s inspector general to investigate the DOJ’s failure to meet the deadline. The group, comprising eleven Democrats and one Republican, emphasized that Epstein’s victims “deserve full disclosure” and an independent audit for accountability.

In a social media post, the DOJ stated that federal prosecutors in Manhattan and the FBI had recently uncovered more than one million documents linked to the Epstein case. This revelation came as a surprise, contradicting earlier claims from officials that a comprehensive review of all Epstein-related material had already been completed.

Past Assertions and Recent Actions

Back in March, Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated a significant amount of evidence had been collected, asserting the FBI possessed thousands of documents. A memo from July had suggested the FBI conducted an “exhaustive review” and found no further evidence requiring release. However, the recent findings showcase a deviation from this earlier statement.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that Manhattan prosecutors already have over 3.6 million documents tied to sex trafficking investigations involving Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Although many of these are duplicates, the sheer volume hints at the complexity of the case.

Response from Lawmakers and Stakeholders

Lawmakers have raised concerns over the DOJ’s staggered release of documents, leading to accusations of non-compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie stated that the DOJ violated the law by making illegal redactions and missing deadlines. In a similar vein, Rep. Ro Khanna emphasized the necessity of continued pressure on the department for full disclosure.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the DOJ’s actions, calling them indicative of a cover-up. He demanded clarity on what information the DOJ may be withholding and why it has not fully complied with mandated transparency.

Upcoming Actions

In light of the ongoing scrutiny, Schumer has proposed a resolution that would enable the Senate to pursue legal action to enforce compliance from the DOJ regarding document releases. Alongside him, several Democrats have advocated for an inspector general audit to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of Epstein-related records.

• Senators Involved:
  • Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
  • Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut)
  • Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon)

The DOJ has committed to work tirelessly to review the new documents while protecting victims’ identities, stating, “We will release the documents as soon as possible.” However, further delay is expected due to the large volume of materials currently being processed.