DOJ Begins Releasing Epstein Files Under New Transparency Act; Redactions Heavy, Scope Narrow in First Batch

The Justice Department began releasing its long-awaited Epstein files on Friday, under the Epstein Files Transparency Act signed by President Donald Trump last month. The act directs the department to make publicly available all unclassified records, documents, communications and investigative materials related to Jeffrey Epstein, his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, and other individuals named or referenced in federal investigations, within 30 days. The initial tranche released Friday was heavily redacted and incomplete, and it did not include material about Trump, a longtime associate of Epstein who socialized with him in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News that the department would proceed slowly, reviewing every page to ensure victims' identities and accounts are protected before release. He estimated that hundreds of thousands of records would be released in the coming weeks. The tranche did include several photographs tied to high-profile figures, including images of former President Bill Clinton in a swimming pool with Ghislaine Maxwell and an unidentified person, and a photo of Clinton in a hot tub. Another image showed the late pop star Michael Jackson with Epstein.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers criticized the pace and scope. Rep. Ro Khanna, who joined with Rep. Thomas Massie in urging full disclosure, warned that Congress could pursue impeachment actions against Attorney General Pam Bondi and Blanche if the full archival release does not occur as required by law. Massie said the department’s disclosure of a 119-page Grand Jury document was entirely redacted without explanation. Democrats on the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees said they are examining all legal options against the DOJ for failing to meet the act's requirements.

DOJ officials described how they categorized the 'full Epstein library' into four buckets: court records from related cases; material released in response to public records requests; files released to the House Oversight Committee in September; and other disclosures made to comply with the new law. The department also stressed that redactions are permitted to protect victims, maintain grand jury secrecy and avoid disseminating illegal pornography. The law does not specify a penalty if the department misses the 30-day deadline.

Observers noted that the 30-day target is a ceiling rather than a hard deadline, and the volume of material ensures that revelations may occur gradually. The investigation into Epstein's sex trafficking network has long cast a shadow over Washington, with survivors pressing for complete transparency, and Trump’s relationship with Epstein continuing to shape political debate. Trump has consistently denied knowledge of Epstein's crimes and has not been accused of wrongdoing related to Epstein.

As the DOJ continues releasing additional records over the next weeks, the public will gain access to more details about Epstein's operations and the individuals tied to them. The Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed overwhelmingly in Congress despite opposition from Trump, was designed to ensure openness while balancing victims' protections and legal constraints.