What is the story about?
The US Justice Department on Friday released an initial tranche of files linked to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a disclosure
mandated by Congress but one that immediately drew criticism for being incomplete, heavily redacted and short on new revelations. The long-anticipated release, ordered under a law signed last month by President Donald Trump, was expected to shed fresh light on Epstein’s ties to powerful figures and on how authorities handled investigations into his crimes. Instead, it raised new questions about transparency and accountability, with lawmakers and victims’ advocates saying the government failed to meet both the spirit and the letter of the law.
The Justice Department said more documents would be released in the coming weeks and that the full production would be completed by the end of the year.
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Thousands of Epstein Files Released, But Far Fewer Than Promised The law set Friday as the deadline for releasing most Justice Department records related to Epstein. Ahead of the disclosure, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said several hundred thousand files were expected. Instead, about 4,000 files appeared on the department’s website, most of them photographs. Blanche later acknowledged in a letter to Congress that the release was incomplete. The files include images taken by the FBI during searches of Epstein’s homes in New York and the US Virgin Islands, along with call logs, court records and documents previously shared with congressional committees. Much of the material has already circulated publicly through past court cases. Heavy Redactions Limit What the Public Can See Many documents were partially or entirely redacted. Files containing victims’ personal information or graphic material were withheld, and some large documents appeared completely blacked out. Marina Lacerda, who says she was sexually abused by Epstein beginning at age 14, criticised the secrecy. “Just put out the files,” she said. “And stop redacting names that don’t need to be redacted.” The Justice Department said it identified more than 1,200 victims and relatives during its review. A list of 254 masseuses linked to Epstein was included but fully redacted.
Minimal References to Donald Trump in Initial Release
One of the biggest questions surrounding the release was how prominently Trump would feature, given his past social relationship with Epstein. The answer, at least for now: barely at all.
The initial documents contain few mentions or images of Trump, most of which have been publicly available for years. His name has appeared previously in flight manifests and contact books released during court proceedings involving Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing and said he cut ties with Epstein well before his 2008 conviction.
Multiple Photos of Bill Clinton Draw Attention
By contrast, the release includes numerous photos and references to former President Bill Clinton. The images show Clinton on Epstein’s plane, in a pool and hot tub, and alongside Maxwell and other figures. The Justice Department did not explain how the photos relate to its investigations.
Clinton has acknowledged traveling with Epstein but has said he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and has never been accused of wrongdoing.
Lawmakers From Both Parties Criticise Partial Release
The limited disclosure angered members of Congress who pushed for the law forcing the release. Rep. Thomas Massie said it “fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law,” while Rep. Ro Khanna called the release “disappointing.”
Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer said the documents represent only “a fraction” of the evidence, and Sen. Jeff Merkley accused the administration of denying justice to victims by missing the deadline.
The House Oversight Committee has issued a subpoena for the files, potentially setting up further legal and political battles.
(With inputs from agencies)
