DOJ Releases 3.5 Million Epstein Files Amid Controversy Over Withheld Documents and Redactions
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday released more than 3.5 million pages of documents, along with 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, related to its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, fulfilling key requirements of the Epstein Files Transparency Act despite missing a congressional deadline.[1][2][3]
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the release during a press briefing at DOJ headquarters, emphasizing that the department had reviewed over 6 million potentially responsive records but withheld certain materials to protect victims’ privacy and comply with legal obligations.[2][3][4]
Details of the Massive Release
The files, now accessible via the “Epstein Library” online portal with age verification for users 18 and older, include a vast array of materials such as court records, emails, photos, and videos seized from Epstein’s devices.[2][4] Blanche clarified that much of the multimedia content consists of “significant amounts” of commercial pornography not produced by Epstein or his associates.[2]
Redactions were applied across multiple layers of review, protecting all women in photographs and videos, as well as men when necessary to safeguard female victims’ privacy. Withheld categories include personally identifying victim information, medical files, child sexual abuse material, details on ongoing cases, and images of death or abuse.[2][5] No redactions were made for national security reasons, and bases for all redactions along with names of government officials mentioned will be shared with Congress.[4]
Members of Congress can request access to unredacted versions, a provision Blanche highlighted as part of the process.[2] The release marks the final major tranche, following an initial batch of nearly 30,000 pages released on December 23, which included references to former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton—neither of whom has been accused of wrongdoing.[3][4]
Deadline Missed, Criticism Mounts
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by President Trump in November 2025, mandated disclosure by December 19, 2025. DOJ cited the sheer volume of materials and extensive redaction needs for survivors as reasons for the rolling release.[1][3][5]
Democratic lawmakers swiftly criticized the partial disclosure. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), a co-author of the act, questioned why 2.5 million pages from the 6 million reviewed were not released, vowing to scrutinize the files for long-sought items like 2007 FBI victim interview forms, a draft indictment, and Epstein’s computer files.[3][5]
“The DOJ said it identified over 6 million potentially responsive pages but is releasing only about 3.5 million after review and redactions. This raises questions as to why the rest are being withheld.”
— Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.)[3][5]
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) demanded confirmation that every document mentioning Trump was included, while Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, called the situation “outrageous,” accusing DOJ of violating subpoenas.[5]
Defending the Process Amid Accusations
Blanche pushed back against suggestions of political interference, insisting the White House had no oversight and that no one—including President Trump—was shielded.[2][4] He addressed claims of slow-walking the process, stating, “I take umbrage at the suggestion… that we somehow do not want to protect victims.”[4]
Previous releases revealed Trump flew on Epstein’s jet more often in the 1990s than previously known, though DOJ described some Trump-related claims as “untrue and sensationalist.” Trump has stated he had a falling out with Epstein years ago.[2][3] Clinton, also mentioned in files including photos, has called for full transparency.[4]
Blanche tempered expectations, warning, “There’s a hunger, a thirst for information that I do not think will be satisfied by the review of these documents.” He added that the public is unlikely to find evidence of additional abusers among high-profile figures.[2][4]
Broader Implications and Next Steps
The release comes under Attorney General Pamela Bondi, who recently appointed Alina Habba as Senior Advisor for U.S. Attorneys. It coincides with other DOJ actions, such as indictments against the Tren de Aragua terrorist group.[1][6]
While the DOJ deems the effort compliant with the law, ongoing congressional scrutiny could lead to further demands. Khanna and others seek specific records tied to Epstein’s co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell and unprosecuted enablers.[3][5]
Public access to the Epstein Library requires age verification, underscoring the sensitive nature of the content. As researchers, lawmakers, and the public pore over the trove, it promises to reignite debates over accountability in Epstein’s network, which spanned elite circles for decades.[2]
The White House has not yet commented on the release.[2]
Background on Epstein Case
Jeffrey Epstein, a financier convicted of sex trafficking, died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial. His associate Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in 2021. The Transparency Act aimed to expose DOJ holdings to address long-standing public demands for clarity on Epstein’s powerful connections.[1][3]
This story will be updated as more details emerge from the files.