The Department of Justice re-released 119 pages of Jeffrey Epstein-related grand jury materials Sunday with “minimal redactions”, after criticism that a previously released document was fully blacked out. The DOJ insists it is balancing transparency with victim protection, but lawmakers like Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) accuse the agency of defying the law.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released 119 pages of grand jury materials related to the Jeffrey Epstein case Sunday, this time with “minimal redactions”, after facing backlash over a fully redacted version of the same document published earlier this week.
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“Documents and photos will continue to be reviewed consistent with the law and with an abundance of caution for victims and their families,” the DOJ wrote in a post on X, responding to reports that the original 119-page file had been entirely blacked out when first disclosed.
A “Methodical” Review Process
The DOJ began releasing Epstein-related files on December 19, complying with a new transparency law signed last month. However, officials have emphasized that not all documents will be released at once, as hundreds of lawyers are reviewing thousands of pages to protect victims’ identities.
“Photos and other materials will continue being reviewed and redacted consistent with the law,” the DOJ reiterated in a Saturday night post.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the agency’s approach Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press, stating: “We’re going through a very methodical process with hundreds of lawyers looking at every single document and making sure that victims’ names and any of the information from victims is protected and redacted, which is exactly what the [Epstein Files Transparency Act] expects.”
Lawmakers Accuse DOJ of Noncompliance
Despite the DOJ’s assurances, critics in Congress—including Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who championed the transparency law—accused the agency of flouting its obligations.
“Not only are they trying to create an exemption that doesn’t exist in our law, they are expressly ignoring the requirement to provide those materials,” Massie told CNN.
Khanna went further, telling CNN he would consider articles of impeachment against Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleging the DOJ is violating the law.
DOJ Fires Back
Blanche dismissed the threats, telling NBC News: “Not even a little bit. Bring it on. We are doing everything we’re supposed to be doing to comply with this statute.”
He accused critics of ignoring the law’s victim-protection mandates, adding: “The same individuals complaining about the lack of documents produced on Friday are the same individuals who apparently don’t want us to protect victims.”
What’s Next?
The DOJ plans to continue releasing files in phases, but the political battle over transparency vs. privacy is far from over. With lawmakers threatening legal action and victims’ advocates demanding full disclosure, the Epstein files saga remains one of the most contentious issues in Washington.
“The DOJ’s job is to follow the law—not pick and choose what to release,” Massie said. “If they won’t comply, Congress will have to force them.”
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