DOJ Expands Epstein Files Review to 5.2 Million Documents Amid Political Pressure
The U.S. Department of Justice has significantly expanded its review of documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to a person familiar with internal communication sent to U.S. Attorneys, the review now covers about 5.2 million documents.
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The move comes as the department increases the number of lawyers assigned to meet a federal law that mandates the public release of Epstein-related records. The review process has already crossed the deadline set by Congress.
Deadline Missed as Review Scope Widens
Congress had set December 19 as the deadline for releasing the files. However, the Justice Department is now more than a week behind schedule.
Officials do not expect additional documents to be released until January 20 or 21, according to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The person was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly.
The expanding number of files has slowed the process. Officials say the size and sensitivity of the material require careful legal scrutiny.
Over 400 Lawyers Assigned to File Review
The Justice Department has deployed more than 400 attorneys to handle the review. Lawyers from multiple offices are involved.
These include teams from:
- The Department of Justice headquarters in Washington
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- The Southern District of Florida
- The Southern District of New York
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche described the effort as an “all-hands-on-deck” operation.
In a public statement, Blanche said lawyers are working “around the clock” to review and prepare the documents for release.
Victim Protection Cited as Reason for Delay
Justice Department officials say the delay is largely due to the need for careful redactions.
Sensitive information must be removed to protect victims and survivors of abuse. Officials stress that this step is legally required.
Blanche said the redaction process takes time but insisted it will not prevent the eventual release of the files.
The White House did not dispute the document count mentioned in the internal email. Instead, it pointed to Blanche’s statement as proof of the administration’s commitment.
Attorney General Faces Congressional Heat
Attorney General Pam Bondi is now facing growing pressure from lawmakers.
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who helped push the disclosure law, publicly questioned whether Bondi should be impeached due to the delay.
Democrats have also stepped up criticism. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer accused senior DOJ officials of misleading the public.
In a social media post, Schumer claimed the documents released so far represent only a small portion of the total files.
Lawmakers Divided on Next Steps
Despite the delay, some lawmakers appear willing to wait before taking action.
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna of California, another key supporter of the disclosure law, said the expanding review shows the law is functioning as intended.
Khanna said Congress is willing to give the Justice Department a few more weeks, provided critical documents are released.
What Lawmakers Want Released
Khanna and Massie have both demanded the release of specific materials, including:
- Statements survivors gave to the FBI
- Documents naming individuals who allegedly abused victims
- Records identifying people who may have covered up crimes
- Prosecutorial memos related to dropped charges
Khanna warned that the full release could “shock the conscience of the nation.”
Massie has also claimed the files may reveal the involvement of influential business figures and political donors.
Political Impact Ahead of Midterm Elections
The Epstein files continue to be a major political issue.
The controversy has already caused divisions within the Republican Party. It has also complicated efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to move past the issue.
Democrats have used the matter to push Congress into action, despite holding a minority position.
Earlier Document Release Raised Questions
A batch of documents released shortly before Christmas showed that Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet during the 1990s.
The documents suggested the two had a friendship before later falling out. However, they did not reveal major new details.
The same release included photographs of former President Bill Clinton with women whose faces were redacted.
Epstein Files Likely to Remain in Spotlight
As the midterm elections approach, the Epstein files are expected to remain a powerful political issue.
Lawmakers from both parties say the case is far from over. With millions of documents still under review, further disclosures appear inevitable.
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