Epstein Files Drop: Thousands Released, Transparency Questions Remain

The Justice Department released tens of thousands of records Friday tied to its investigations of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a yearlong bipartisan push for transparency. However, many of the documents were heavily redacted, and the agency failed to meet a legal deadline to release all required materials.

Epstein Files Drop

The release comes under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law signed by former President Donald Trump in mid-November. The measure required the DOJ to publicly disclose all unclassified records from the Justice Department, FBI, and U.S. attorneys’ offices within 30 days, or by Dec. 19. The files include photos, contact lists, flight logs, court documents, memos, and business records.

Lawmakers behind the bill, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), used a rare procedural move to force the legislation to a House vote after initial resistance from Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Khanna criticized the release as incomplete, saying the DOJ did not explain why key documents — including a draft indictment and witness interview memos — were withheld. “It’s not just about whether this is a full release, but what they’re hiding,” he said, adding that survivors deserve answers.

The attorney general is allowed to redact information to protect victims or ongoing investigations, but must provide written justifications to Congress. DOJ officials say hundreds of thousands more documents will be released in the coming weeks.

Several newly released images feature high-profile figures, including former President Bill Clinton, though his office said the focus should remain on Epstein’s crimes, not political figures.

Lawmakers and advocates say pressure will continue through hearings, lawsuits, and possible legal action if the government does not fully comply.